Kitchen gadgets, cooling underwear: Products that make life easier & better Part 1

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Life is so busy and fast these days, sometimes we just need a little extra help with tasks. We find ourselves searching for anything that could make regular to-dos easier, faster or less tedious.

For example, getting ready for work. Dry shampoo has become popular in recent years, especially when you’re in a bind and need to get out the door stat. Or perhaps for peace of mind a water leak detector that will send you a text message and sound an alarm for dripping or leaking issues.

Myself, fellow cleveland.com and Plain Dealer reporters, as well as subscribers of Editor Chris Quinn’s free text messaging service submitted dozens of their favorite products that make life easier for them in hopes of helping aid others. Quinn received more than 100 responses to this topic.

We are rounding up the best product suggestions in this multiple-part series, beginning with the first five items below. At the bottom are links where the products can be purchased online.

Subscribers and our reporters were quick to respond to the query. Have you discovered a product you rely on that’s a game changer? Email info about it to me at [email protected] and I might feature it in an upcoming installment.

Here are the first 5 products in part 1:

Duluth Armachillo cooling men’s underwear

The men’s Duluth Armachillo cooling underwear are comfortable and stretchy. They also have microscopic jade embedded in the fabric, making the underwear feel cool on the skin while you walk, run, jump and more. The nylon/spandex/knit fabric pulls moisture off your skin to get rid of chafing. The waistband of the underwear strong so there’s no need to adjust during the day.

“Duluth Armachillo underwear for hot weather!” -- Suggestion from subscriber

OXO Softworks 3-in-1 avocado slicer

The slicer is an all-in-one tool that pits, slices and splits avocados. Remove the pit with the stainless steel part. The slicer lifts the avocado from skin in seven pieces. The tool is soft, has non-slip grip and is top-rack dishwasher safe.

“If you’re someone who loves to eat avocados, like myself, and want avocado slices for a salad or a sandwich, I came across this slicer years ago and I’ve been using it ever since. I tried using a butter knife to cut slices, but it always became a mess. The slicer includes a serrated blade that easily cuts around the skin, separating the avocado from the skin without being sharp to touch. It comes with a pit remover. Twist and it pops out. No more digging the pit out of the avocado. After the pit is removed I press the blades in the middle of the tool through the avocado to make even slices, then pop them out onto the salad or a plate.” -- Kaylee Remington of cleveland.com

Govee water leak detector

The water leak detector will set off an alarm if it senses dripping or leaking water. It’s wireless and alerts you when the battery is low. You can also adjust the alarm audio to your preference. The device has a sealed waterproof design, which allows you to use it for extended periods of time in high moisture areas.

“My water alarm saved my butt last night. Bought this a few years back at the recommendation of a plumber. Last night I left a sink on and I got a text alert just as I sat down for dinner at the Fairview Tavern. Cleaned up in a jiffy, would have been a total mess without the alarm.” -- Rich Exner of cleveland.com

Brown Sugar Bear

The Brown Sugar Bear is a gadget that keeps moisture and softness in brown sugar for approximately three to six months. The bear is made from specially fired clay. Soak it in water for 20 minutes and place in brown sugar, cakes, cookies, marshmallows or dried fruit.

You can also use the bear dry to absorb moisture and keep spices, salt, crackers, pretzels and more dry.

“You know that one time of year you need brown sugar for a recipe and you pull out the bag only to find your sugar is one big rock? This little guy keeps that from happening. Just soak it in water a few times every year.” -- Mike Rose of cleveland.com

Dry Shampoo

When you’re in a rush, dry shampoo is genius stuff. With a few sprays it absorbs the oil that makes your hair look greasy and gives your hair a washed look.

Dry shampoo is a powder product so it absorbs moisture in your hair so you can have a shiny, but not greasy, look. When you use dry shampoo, you do not need to use water, which gives you one less step in your routine. You won’t have to worry about the oils in your hair, sweat or odor because it will be sucked by the shampoo.

Dry shampoo has become so popular it’s difficult to find a brand that does not offer it. You can find it at all kinds of price points, from drug store brands to professional products at places like Ulta.

“Dry shampoo. Game changer!”-- Suggestion from subscriber

Products above available online:

Duluth cooling underwear: Duluth Trading Company for $15.99-$49.99

Avocado slicer: Walmart for $11.99 | The Container Store for $9.99 | Macy’s for $9.99 | Sur La Table for $9.95

Water leak detector: Walmart (Kidde brand) for $34.84 | Home Depot (YoLink brand) for $19.06 | Best Buy (SimpliSafe brand) for $19.99 | Amazon for $49.99

Brown sugar bear: Walmart for $16.99 (three-pack) | Pampered Chef for $15 | Etsy for $9.95 | Amazon for $9.88

Dry shampoo: Walmart | Ulta | Sephora | Aveda

Kaylee Remington is the shopping and entertainment commerce reporter and metro reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read her work online.