Judith Harris Solomon: Marketplace

Get a little help around the house

Dinah Shore, that popular songstress from back in the day, had a point when she sang, "It's so nice to have a man around the house." But, in truth, it's also very nice to have some of these helpful and handy gadgets around, as well.

• This cute, house-shaped key hook and magnetic board was designed primarily to hold keys. But it could also be used to hang necklaces and to post notes (to yourself, your lover or whomever) in your dressing area. Find it for $16 at the Print Gallery in Southfield.

• How clever! This 9-inch-tall E-Z Fold Step Stool can hold up to 300 pounds. But when not in use, it folds flat as a pancake and can fit in spaces less than 2 inches wide. Find it for $21 at Circare in St. Clair Shores.

• An Ultimate Hammer Tool would be great to keep in either your house or your automobile. The 9-tools-in-one stainless steel gadget includes pliers, a knife, scissors, wedge, saw blade, file, flat head and Phillips screwdriver. (Who could ask for anything more?) A product of Kikkerland, the hammer, et al, costs $18 at Circare in St. Clair Shores.

• From Animal House by Boston Warehouse, this Peacock-shaped dust pan with colorful brush is both decorative and useful. Ace Hardware in Bloomfield Hills sells it for $15.99.

• If you drink pop out of a can and have a tendency to spill it from time to time (trust us, you're not alone), these Snap Capps Can Caps are for you. Just open the can, then attach the cap to it. When you're ready to drink, unscrew the top and drink away. The caps cost $3.49 each at Ace Hardware in Bloomfield Hills.

Sources

ACE Hardware

Grosse Pointe, Rochester, St. Clair Shores, Clarkston and Bloomfield Hills stores only

Circare

23024 Greater Mack Ave.

St. Clair Shores

(586) 771-8510

Print Gallery

29173 Northwestern Highway

Southfield

(248) 356-5454

Judith Harris Solomon is a Metro Detroit freelance writer. You can reach her at judyfreelance@aol.com.