I didn’t post to the blog this morning as usual. I didn’t sleep well due to the pain in my neck and shoulder. Before I complain too much, I should count my blessings.

My ex-wife and I raised our three daughters in the north Cascades of Washington in a small town called Darrington. Darrington is about 35 miles east of I-5 on highway 530, north of Seattle. I still have friends and family in the area. Last Saturday, tragedy struck outside of Darrington, east of the community called Oso. A large section of a mountain on the north side of the Stillguamish River broke free and turned into a mudslide. The mudslide quickly traveled south, crossing the river and damming it. It continued south through two neighborhoods and across highway 530. There were lives lost and homes destroyed. Many people are still missing. The mud slide covers about a square mile of land. The full extent of death, injury and damage are yet to be determined. My heart goes out to all in the community.

In yesterday’s post, I mentioned the International Home and Housewares Association (IHA) Show Donna attended in Chicago. The IHA Show is an annual event for buyers to connect with manufacturers who come to the show with their latest and greatest products, many of which will be launched in the coming year. Taking photos was not allowed at the show, but Donna did come home with some product samples.

Cupanion vacuum insulated bottle and infuser

Cupanion hot and cold cups
The blue bottle is a water bottle with an infuser so you can add fresh fruits, veggies and/or herbs to your water. The black bottle will keep drinks hot or cold. This is neat – with every reusable bottle you purchase, Cupanion will give the same amount (equal to your first fill) of clean water to a person in need.

Brillo makes more than just steel wool cleaning pads.

Sponges from the Brillo company
Donna connected with people from the Brillo Company and learned that they are manufactured in Walled Lake, MI – just around the corner from where we used to live! Donna came up with a great cleaning tip using Brillo pads – they’re perfect for cleaning glass shower doors and no, they won’t scratch the glass. Anyway, Donna stopped by the Brillo booth to let them know that she often recommends Brillo pads for that job and, in fact, her tip was included in the April issue of Real Simple magazine. They had the magazine in their booth and were very pleased to meet her. They gave her a bunch of product samples including a pack of Bug Blaster sponges for getting bugs off the windshield and some kitchen and bathroom cleaning sponges that are so good, Donna threw out all of her other sponges!

Slim Sonic travel toothbrush

Slim Sonic travel toothbrush
Donna met the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for VioLife, makers of the Slim Sonic toothbrush, on her flight to Chicago. She gave Donna a sample of the toothbrush at the show. Donna loved the variety of designs that include their new destination series. They also make a mini-humidifer that she is sending to us to try out in our motorhome.

Dawn Luxe dishwashing gloves

Dawn Luxe dishwashing gloves
Donna likes these because they are infused with hand lotion to soften your hands when you wear them. They will be in stores soon.

Bamboo perforated towels

NatureZway(TM) Bamboo Perforated Towels
NatureZway(TM) Bamboo Perforated Towels are from the makers of Spic and Span products. These towels come in a roll like regular paper towels but are reusable up to 10 times. This makes them a great product for RVers, don’t you think? Keep an eye out for them in stores.

Bounce lint roller

Bounce Lint Roller with Febreze