Best Picks

When was the last time you were a tourist in Ottawa? With A Walking Guide- Ottawa’s Building and Monument Stones, you can rediscover the Capital. Visit 114 locations, mostly in the downtown core. Learn about their history, their architecture and even about the kind of rock they were made with during your walk. All of the locations are found between Rideau Hall (in the northeast) and the Dominion Observatory (in the southwest). A variety of maps allow you to choose your route and duration of your tour. Published by the Geological Association of Canada. ISBN-13: 978-1-897095-41-6. Available for $19.50 at www.gac.ca/publications/bookstore.php.

The Diamond Element is a revolutionary new range of T-fal kettles with a special stainless steel extra polished heating element that reduces build-up of limescale, making your kettle last longer and your tea taste better. When limescale builds up, it’s difficult and time-consuming to get rid of, adds to your boiling time and reduces the life of your kettle. The Diamond’s magic formula means four times less limescale build-up compared to a standard kettle. And if you forget to switch the kettle off, no problem. The shut-off feature will take care of it. Available at Sears for $49.99 or for more information, visit www.t-fal.ca.

Summer grilling season is all but behind us but true BBQers keep going regardless of what the thermometer says. This gadget is for them. The Looftlighter is like a hairdryer on steroids. Its patented hot airstream firing process eliminates the need for lighter fluids that taint grills and smokers with chemical residue. No more frustrations waiting and watching your grill begin to smoke. Starting the fire is as simple as touching the tip of the Looftlighter to wood or charcoal for a mere 15 seconds. Designed by Richard Looft, who was angered by the petroleum taste of his barbequed food, Looftlighter has been a huge hit in Scandinavia and Europe and is now available here in Ottawa at Capital Appliance & BBQ, Fireplace Center & Patio Shop, Boutique Burro Borracho. For more information visit, www.looftlighter.com. 

The U-Powered solar and USB portable charger from Ottawa's KIWI Choice Inc. can store energy from multiple power sources and can be used as both a backup power source and a universal charger for all types of small electronic devices. The U-Powered can be charged through a USB port, a vehicle’s DC power port, an AC wall outlet, or the sun. It has a power capacity of 2000 milliampere-hour and 11 free connectors, making it compatible with most cellphones, personal digital assistants, digital music players, and more. KIWI Choice is a leader in developing eco-friendly consumer electronics in North America. Available for $49.99 at www.kiwichoice.com or call (888) 737-5494.

Disney Bound

If loading up the kids and heading to Disney is in the cards, then The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2011 will save you lots of time and money. Authors Bob Sehlinger and Liliane Opsomer have clearly clocked a few kms with kids and know the ins and outs of family travel. Use it before the trip as a planning guide. The information is well researched and includes web sites, key telephone numbers, budgets, housing options, both inside and outside Disney World, and even has babysitting ideas. The book has touring guides, an age-based rating of attractions, including counter-service restaurants, take-outs joints as well as sit down restaurants. Don't leave home without this humorous and helpful guide. Available for $17.32 at www.amazon.com.

Stay Comfortable My Friend...

Whether you're a man of the world or tackling your daily commute, the Urban Traveller Classic Blazer is for you. TruFlex™ enables built-in stretch while preventing sagging and bagging. The blazer features a notched collar, 4 button closure and eight secured pockets, most either Velcro®-sealed or zipperclosed for security and peace of mind. It even has an ultra secret pocket. Finished with H2OUT®, the blazer breathes while dispersing moisture over the surface of the material, keeping even the most active traveler comfortable. $265.00. www.tilley.ca.

Versatile Vêtement

Wear it for a day trip or a walk on the beach in the cool night air. Tilley's Venture Trek Women’s Convertible Jacket/Vest converts easily to a vest for a more relaxed look when you unzip the sleeves. An interior wind flap and full zipper that zips all the way up to a stand collar, protects from the elements. Made from easy care lightweight nylon and spandex, this garment makes your travel comfortable and hassle free, whether for a weekend getaway or trip around the world. $199.00 www.tilley.ca.

Walk On

OK, so we come back to them again, but we at Ottawa Life love them. Tilley socks are guaranteed to last three years — or your money back. Considerably thicker than most Tilley socks, the walking socks have a cushioned sole for comfort on long hikes. Made mostly (60%) of soft, luxurious Merino Wool, plus (25%) nylon for strength, (10%) Friction Free™ polyester for stopping blisters before they start, (2%) Spandex for stretch and (3%) polypropylene (with alphasan) to reduce odour causing bacteria. What more do you want in a sock? $22.00 www.tilley.ca.

In The Zone with adidas miCoach

Regardless of your fitness goals, a cardiovascular program is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Creating an appropriate fitness program can be daunting— running too hard too soon can risk injury and compromise personal fitness goals. But the innovative miCoach Pacer training system simplifies everything. It measures heart rate, distance, pace, stride rate, calories burned, and elapsed time. While running, miCoach acts as a personal trainer. Through the earpiece, the real-time, audible coaching tells you to speed up or slow down based on the data from the Heart Rate Monitor and Stride Sensor. Set your goals online before starting and then sync the miCoach Pacer to adidas.com/ micoach after each workout to analyze stats and get coaching feedback online. As strength and endurance increase, miCoach recognizes improvements and modifies fitness plans. These updates help to ensure the ultimate goal of strengthening the heart and cardiovascular systems. Suggested retail price for the complete miCoach Pacer system is $170. www.adidas.com/ca/micoach/.