The New Office Thirst Quencher and More...

I love a good beverage when... well, always. Especially when I am working. As a result, I drink much more coffee than I probably should (and enjoy every sip). Occasionally, though (especially since warmer weather is coming) I get tired of coffee. It is at that point when I start ingesting loads of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavorings, and who knows what else -- the dreaded Soda fix!

Well, fellow beverage lovers, fret no more! My new favorite find will be yours too. The Soda-Club System is the best way to make your own soda, diet soda, sparkling water, energy drink, and more... IN SECONDS!!! They have loads of flavored syrups that make loads of tasty drinks that are sweetened and carbonated to your own individual taste (and they are Kosher and allergen-free). And if you are interested in going green, it is environmentally friendly in a number of ways. Check this out.

For pennies a liter (instead of dollars that you pay anywhere else), you can have your own personalized beverage. I keep the bottles filled with water in the fridge to keep them cold. When I am thirsty, I grab a bottle, insert it into the base unit, pump 3 times, remove and add one of my favorite syrups. Presto! No waste, no disposable cups, no electricity required. In fact, the unit takes up less counter space than a regular coffee maker.

I love to use it to make their energy drink when I need a boost. Ever have an upset tummy and want a bit of ginger ale without having to run to the store to buy a huge bottle that is just going to sit in the fridge, taking up space? This is perfect. Want to make great mixed drinks for a party and want to be ready with loads of different mixers to suit anybody's tastes? The Soda-Club System is perfect! You can party without the waste. The possibilities are endless.

The system is relatively inexpensive, given how much we usually pay (plus it is really easy to "go in on one" for an office... further lessening the cost). There are many styles and options to suit any budget and any style (The silver/black looks really nice... but they have colors and stainless steel too!) And, don't worry, Soda-Club is just the name... it isn't any commitment to order anything over time. I highly recommend this for anybody wanting to get off the coffee train every once and a while. The drinks are delicious and very high quality (actually I was surprised). It isn't messy to use, and the drinks taste really, really good. Better and more fresh tasting than anything I've ever gotten from a store. The carbonation cartridges last a long time, too. I've had mine for a while with pretty heavy use and it is still going strong. (I have another on hand for when it runs out, but it keeps going and going).

They carry them in some of my local stores, but they sell everything right there online! The diet pink grapefruit and lemon-lime are the best I've ever had. The cola is really good too (and I was a long-time, loyal, one-brand only cola person - so trust me). Go take a look here. If you are wavering: get one with extra bottles. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Are Crocs a Crock? My personal experience with the ultra-popular reptilian footwear

Everybody has an opinion about the most ubiquitous synthetic footwear to hit the floor since we were squeaking our way around in jelly shoes – but what is the real truth. To some extent, the beauty of the reptilian slipper is in the eye of the beholder.

It took me a while to fall prey to the croc-mania. They are practically everywhere – and the eye-popping colors make them hard to miss. I must admit I did sympathize with the “ugly” criticism, but the more I saw them, the more I couldn’t convince myself that their popularity could be solely attributed to a fad among those with a fondness for color. As the clog-wearing people around me were easy converts to the croc, I didn’t feel the urge to try on a pair until the summer hit. And, more specifically, I saw a new style on the shelf at Macy’s.

The ballet-flat style of crocs was designed by that corporation specifically for somebody like me. Feminine, rather than flip-floppy, I was glad to try them on and then to shell out my $30 to get the comfort that those around me had been talking about while retaining my own style preferences. Had the story ended there, the case for crocs would have been a slam-dunk. As it so often happens in life, it was a little more complicated than that.

The Conundrum

The first day I wore them, I was expecting to have a pair of shoes that would be as wonderful as everyone had said they would be. I put them on and set about my day without a thought. By the end of the day, there was nothing else I could think about. My feet were so tender and painful that I couldn’t keep the shoes on, and couldn’t even think about putting them back on. My feet even hurt the next day. I was shocked. No one could believe it. I thought I was some kind of freak. I swore I would never put on that pair of crocs again.

The Resolution?

I couldn’t stand that I had paid so much for something that was advertised as being comfortable and ergonomic. I decided to email the company with my complaints.

It took a few days to get a response through the contact information found on the website, when a Customer Service Representative, named Abi, contacted me with an apology for the product. Crocs do have a warranty for defective products, but – because of past experience – I rolled my eyes when asked for pictures of the shoes to examine for visible defects. However, I did send pictures for examination. Less than 24 hours later, I received my response: I could return my shoes for a new pair of a different style. Shortly after, I received a shipping label and directions. I bit of a hassle, but a quick response and the exchange with few limitations was enough to satisfy me and impress me with their Customer Service.

In the end, I chose the classic style of the shoes in a size larger to insure myself as best I could against what I had already experienced. I ended up making the tradeoff between style and comfort that I had tried so hard to avoid. They turned out to be as comfortable as everyone had told me they were, and they ended up being my go-to casual shoes (despite my usual tastes).

The outcome was mixed. Ideally, the original style would have worked out as I had wanted, and perhaps my experience was due to some sort of error in manufacturing. Even so, it was nice to know that good customer service still exists and that this company is willing to stand behind the quality of their product – and rightly so.

~ Miss S.

Host in Style: Vintage-Inspired Aprons!

Want to be stylish while you cook or host a party? Check out Carolyn's Kitchen for really nice looking aprons that will be the talk of the town!

Featured in a number of publications and made in Los Angeles, these cute additions to any kitchen (or wardrobe) are something to check out. They even carry matching gloves!

MomDot is hosting a giveaway of on of these lovely creations. Check it out here.