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Black is the new green. The Electrolux Ultra Silencer Green is a newly revolutionized vacuum cleaner. It is black for a reason–it’s made of recycled plastic material. This has  been called the most energy efficient vacuum cleaner out there. It’s also very compact.

Another notable feature is that you no longer will be forced to turn down the volume every time you vacuum. It won’t be an inconvenience because it operates at 65 decibels, which is as loud as a typical conversation, according to the NY times. It is relatively ultra silent.

Although it may come in other colors like red and white, black is the only one that’s made of recycled material. It’s going to be available this month for roughly $300–not bad considering you’re helping the environment. As far as actually cleaning, this cleaner runs on 1,250 watt motor and has a newly, more efficient designed nozzle. How can it not give you the most optimum results. It’s also got a dust bag full indicator. Very convenient. Also, this cleaner reduces power consumption by 33%. As far as I’m concerned, this really is the perfect vacuum cleaner.

Image source: NYtimes.com

Shop through a variety of vacuum cleaners at Smarter.com.

Let’s face it, the holidays are so exciting and yet sooo nerve wracking at the same time, aren’t they!?! These stunning terra cotta bowls from BLAIR can save anyone cooking a full Thanksgiving feast a lot of stress!

Terra cotta is famous for it’s ability to retain heat. Perfect for keeping your squash, mashers or applesauce warm while you set the table! These festive, primitive decor items are fully functional and a beautiful addition to your holiday table. Go straight from your counter top, to the oven or microwave, to your table! Phew! I know I’m wiping my brow in relief! Easy, tasteful, functional decor at your fingertips! Oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, they measure 3 inches in height by 10 inches in width. Each holds a generous 6-cup capacity AND at just $19.99 (on clearance) you need to get them NOW! They will not last long at this price!

I’m going to buy mine now… please comment on whether you do, too! This is MY VERY FIRST article for Smarter.com and I’d LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear from you all! Happy Harvest!!

This is what I call love at first sight.

I’ve been thinking of picking up a nice docking station for my iPod and I think my search is over. I’m sold on this B&W Zeppelin iPod Speaker. I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for looks and it didn’t take me long to be sold on this.

You can’t really tell the size of this thing, but it spans about 25 inches long and weighs in at about 15 pounds. A little heavy, but who cares, you’re not lugging it around. And if you’re worried that your iPod won’t work with this, then stop right now. This baby works with every iPod, the iPod Touch and even the iPhone. It also comes with an internal subwoofer, three amps, and a docking arm that allows you to grasp your iPod.

Now, all I have to do is come up with the $600 to pay for this thing.

Check out more pictures and what Yanko Design thinks of the B&W Zeppelin iPod Speaker.

Put that rake down.

With fall quickly approaching, that means one thing: falling leaves. And with falling leaves, comes the annoying chore of raking them up and stuffing them into a sack.

So why not save yourself some time and energy and pick up new leaf blower like this Black & Deck 18 volt, cordless blower. This thing packs up to a 3 hour battery life, that way you have enough time to blow everything into a nice little pile. And spitting out a gush of wind up to 120 mph on a hard surface, there’s nothing it can’t push aside.

So toss the broom and rake aside and check out this Black & Decker Leaf Blower. Your arms and back will thank you later.

So how much is this? Well, at Ace Hardwares’ online store, you can get it for $69.99. Not bad.

To compare prices and to go to Ace Hardware, click here.

Hello Readers!

I would like to take a second to introduce our new guest Home & Garden Blogger…

LESLIE!

She originally hails from the land of scorpions and cacti (Arizona) but is now a die hard Los Angeleno.

Read her biography at: Smarter Blog Authors

Feel free to contact or email her with any questions or ideas you might have for Smarter Home & Garden Blog!

.

What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

Well technically it is New Year’s Eve but you know what I mean, countdown is tonight! Please have fun celebrating but also be careful! Get to your celebratory destination and then stay there, sleep over if you don’t have a DI (designated driver) and are too inebriated to drive.

Okay, okay I am done preaching…

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

OK what are you doing reading this!! You should be hugging your kids, kissing under the mistletoe, sledding threw snowy pastures….My point is, stand up and go kiss your loved ones!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

May your Holidays be filled with love, success and merriment!

Best Wishes,

Michelle

Now take after good ol’ Saint Nick, kick off your shoes, relax and celebrate!

Home Decorators Collection Online Outlet is having an awesome storage sale with all sale items at 70% off! Check out some of my favorite deals:

Was: $229.00 Now: $67.99

Cadence 30-Bottle Wine Cabinet: This wine cabinet would go great on the side of your kitchen island or on display in your living room. It comes in dark walnut (pictured), light walnut, and antique cherry.

Was: $129.00 Now: $31.99

Amanda Laptop Desk: This laptop desk is great if you lack space in your apartment or if you would like your desk to be just as portable as your laptop. You can carry it from your bedroom to your living room so you can watch TV on your big screen while you work.

Was: $119.00 Now: $35.99

Rattan Set of Two Lift-Top Hampers: These are super cute for that island theme you have in your bathroom or bedroom. They come in honey (pictured) or white. I probably wouldn’t buy these for $119, but for $36….SURE!

Check out the other sale items here. This sale ends 9/30/07 so better hurry!

I have to admit, until today, I’d never in my life seen or heard of a salt pig. Never. But, now that I’ve learned, I’m a believer. In case you’re ignorant to the charms of a salt pig as I was, they’re handy little pots like the one featured above from CyberCucna ($7.99) that give you easy access to salt while you’re cooking. That’s what that big, gaping hole is all about–your hands can easily slide in for a pinch or, if you’re a clean freak, you can use a spoon.

But that’s not all (that’s my infomercial voice), that opening also allows air in, creating a dry home for salt, which is good because moisture is definitely the enemy of America’s favorite seasoning.

Plus, there are lots of really cute ones:

 

Emile  Henry Provencale Collection, $33.95

Woodard & Charles 3-Piece Set,  $14.95

Sur La Table Stoneware Salt Pig, $9.95