It’s a remarkable web cam in a little package and can connect video calls to your nearest and dearest in 720p HD. Now that, my friends, is as good as their flagship WebCam the C910 can achieve. Granted the C910 can actually record video in 1080p, but who needs that. If you want to record video, then go and buy a video recorder. Hang on, what am I saying, this unit can record video at up to 1600 x 1200 at 30 frames a second.

This extraordinary piece of kit has over 1500 positive reviews on Amazon with an average of 4.5 stars out of five. Now that is impressive.

So what exactly is it that this WebCam offers that users hold it in such high esteem.

Image clarity in WebCams, or any camera can do that, is dependent on the lens fitted. This unit ships with a high quality Carl Zeiss glass lens for crystal clear images. It produces pin sharp images by the use of an auto focusing system.

The unit shoots video in 16×9 widescreen so it is compatible with the latest laptops, computer monitors and LCD or plasma televisions.

Image resolution from a two megapixel sensor is enhanced via software up to 8 megapixels.

The camera ships with RightLight2 built in which adjusts its own exposure settings to match the ambient light available within the room. This makes a very usable video calls even in the light situations.

Now coming from the audio perspective, the RightSound technology features noise cancelling, which enhances audio over the call.

The Logitech 9000 Pro WebCam is known to work with the following instant messaging packages: Skype, AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Google Chat and Logitech’s Vid messaging solution.

All in all, with a simple install and ease-of-use, this Logitech WebCam has to be close to the top of the list if you’re in the market.

Does it work with Macs, yes it does, but you do have to have Snow Leopard or newer installed as the Mac OS.

As it’s not the latest and greatest from Logitech, the price does reflect this and it can be had for under $60. Unfortunately, there is no Logitech rebate on this at the moment (at least at the time of writing).

As usual, Amazon offers free shipping on the Logitech 9000 Pro.

But, if you want to recreate that authentic restaurant experience of a great margarita cocktail then you’re going to have to invest in a set of quality margarita glasses.

It’s these which sets off the drink and you’re guests will know exactly what they’re getting in their cocktail as the margarita glass has a very distinctive design.

Libbey Vina margarita glasses have a superb write up on Amazon with a full five out of five stars. Click for more information.

They are frequently sold with a glass rimmer which is specifically made to make salting your class a piece of cake.

The picture above is of a generous 13 ounce glass which is made right here in the USA, all too rare these days, it’s 7 1/2 inches tall and is completely dishwasher safe.

They are beautifully designed and tough too. With a good weight and a reasonable capacity to ensure that you’re not constantly refilling your class these are great buy.

The classes are not too big either otherwise you may find the ice melting before you’ve finished your margarita.

They seem to be a bargain price because this set includes six glasses when other sets are limited to only four.

The Libbey Vina range of margarita glasses is made to fit in with the design of another Libbey Vina ranges.

All in all, if you like margaritas then you’ve just got to try these glasses out.

Today, I am going to take a look at inverter generators and what they offer over their standard generator cousins.

The inverter generator is becoming more and more popular over its conventional counterpart.

Why Are Inverter Generators Better Than Others

The main advantage that inverter generators have over conventional generators is that the latter have to run at full speed when they are on whether or not the output they produce is being used.

On the other hand, the inverter generator is clever enough to reduce its running speed to match the output required. This means it will run much quieter and much more efficiently than any conventional generator.

Inverter generator manufacturers have realised that noise reduction is one of the top priorities for the majority of their customers. So they have taken extra steps to accomplish this by the use of advanced sound reduction enclosures and good mufflers.

The power supplied by inverter generators is usually a lot cleaner than that supplied by other types of generators. It is this that makes them especially suitable to power items with microchips in them such as laptops or computers.

Inverter Generator Features

• Look for an electric start either with a push button or a key.
• If you need it for camping or when caravanning noise reduction is a necessity so go for some of the almost silent generators on the market.
• If you need to charge a 12 V battery from your generator then you must have a 12 V DC output.
• Weight may be a factor for you and there are plenty of lightweight generators on the market.
• Ensure the running time from one load of fuel is enough for you. With inverter generators the amount of time that it can run without refuelling is dependent on the load placed on the generator. However some can provide over 12 hours of use with one tank full of fuel.
• Do you want to use diesel, gas or petrol as your fuel type.

So some of the above features will mean a little more to you let’s look at the model from Yamaha, the EF2000iS inverter generator.

The Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter Generator

This is a portable generator from Yamaha that comes in at under $1000.

It is capable of producing a maximum of 2000 Watts of AC output while sustainable output is rated at 1600 Watts.

Running time on one tank full of fuel is up to 10 1/2 hours.

It cleans the output so is more than capable of running delicate machinery such as laptops. You could even charge your phone or an iPod with this unit.

If there is an overload demand made on the generator it features a breaker which will protect it from damage.

Like most inverter generators it can vary the engine speed to match the demands made on it. This ensures that it is always running efficiently.

It’s able to recharge batteries as it does have a 12 vote DC output. Owners of RVs and boats will find it invaluable.

Weighing in at a meagre 44 pounds the Yamaha unit really is ultra portable.

All the controls are centrally located on an easy to get to panel which insures that the unit is fairly simple to use.

The Yamaha EF2000iS is a gas powered inverter generator.

It doesn’t come with an electric starter but it does have an automatic decompression facility which aids the starting process by reducing compression.

All reports on the web say that this is a very easy unit to start with only a slight pull required.

The only other fault we could find with this particular unit is that people found that filling the oil before first use was an issue, as you didn’t know how much you had put in, as there was no indicator. Some have recommended that this may be overcome by using a measuring jug when filling it up. However, it does have a highly visible fuel gauge. This unit takes standard four stroke engine oil.

If you know you are going to be using this unit continuously for a number of days then there are fuel extenders available which take the running time for the unit to 3 or four days.

If you are going to be storing this unit for some time without use then you may run the unit until dry as it incorporates a fuel shut-off file.

If you don’t want to run it until dry then there is a drain to take out any of the remaining fuel.

As when choosing any generator, you must first calculate the amount of power that you are going to need, when all the electrical items that you could need on at once are taken into account.

If they come in at less than 1600 Watts then the Yamaha EF2000iS could well be the unit for you.

I hope this review of inverter generators has helped with your decision-making.

I gave it a few weeks after she made her intentions known just in case it was merely a passing fad and the idea would fade.

This wasn’t to be and after spending numerous hours online reading many detailed reviews and product manuals we found that the Brother CS6000i seemed to be the best choice.

As I’ve done a fair amount of research into this particular machine I thought it only makes sense to make it available to you here today.

What follows is my review of the Brother CS6000i Computerized Sewing Machine

Features of the Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine

This is a free arm sewing machine
This simply means that part of the base of the machine can be removed for easy sewing when doing something like trouser legs or shirtsleeves.

Computerised sewing machine
This means that the machine can produce many stitches, as they are held in its internal memory and you select them as you need them. The Brother CS6000i comes with over 60 stitches already programmed in. Stitches are chosen via the on-board LCD screen.

Some of the stitches included with this machine are a quilting stitch, decorative stitches and a number of utility and heirloom stitches.

All of the stitches are referred to on the side of the machine. The selected stitch is displayed on the LCD screen.

Buttonholes
You can make buttonholes from the seven styles available. Again these are already programmed in for your use.

To make this process even simpler get one of the buttons that are going onto your finished garment and place it into the holder on the back of the buttonhole foot.

Choose a buttonhole style and the machine will then make an appropriate sized buttonhole, foolproof isn’t it. Perfect buttonholes everytime.

Reverse stitching
Yes this is included on this machine.

This allows you to lock stitches as you can bring the fabric back toward you when you are just starting or finishing a line. It allows the reinforcing of a stitch.

Snap on presser feet
A number of different presser feet ship with this product including walking foot, quilting foot, buttonhole foot, overcasting foot, blind stitch foot, monogramming foot, zigzag foot, and a zipper foot.

The foot is the part of the machine that holds the fabric against the feed dogs as the material is fed through.

Under the material the feed dogs co-ordinate with the stitch, they rise up into contact with the material, move it along then drop down and move back to their original position and repeat the movement.

Additional feet are also available as accessories as follows

1. 1/4 Inch Piecing Foot-Guide
2. 1/4″ Quilting Foot
3. 7 mm Narrow Hem Foot
4. 7mm Cording Foot (5-hole)
5. 7mm Cording Foot (7-hole)
6. 7mm Open Toe Foot
7. 7mm Picot Foot
8. 7mm Side Cutter
9. Adjustable Zipper & Piping Foot
10. Binding Foot
11. Braiding Foot up to 5mm width
12. Clear Quilting Foot (Screw on Foot)
13. Clearview Foot (For Horizontal Bobbin 7mm)
14. Concealed Zipper Foot
15. Cording Foot (For 7mm Horizontal Machine)
16. Edge Joining Foot
17. Fringe Foot
18. Metal Open Toe Foot
19. Non-Stick Foot (Horizontal Bobbins)
20. Pearls and Sequins Foot
21. Quilting Guide for Foot Holder
22. Stitch Guide Foot
23. Straight Stitch Foot
24. Vertical Stitch Alignment Foot
25. Zig Zag Foot with Ankle

Automatic needle threading
I would need this if I was to ever use this machine. My eyesight isn’t so good so this function would be a godsend. Easy to implement too.

Simple bobbin replacement
A drop in bobbin is used by the Brother CS6000i. This is easier to use than the bobbins that are inserted sideways into the machine.

Some simple instructions are printed onto the plate for you to follow when inserting the bobbin.

You just need to pull the thread to the side of the bobbin to get started and there is no need to draw the thread up through the foot.

A thread cutter is included on the machine so there’s no need for an extra pair of scissors.

The foot pedal
Activation of this machine is via a foot pedal which is simplicity itself. The alternative way to start sewing is to use a one touch button which is next to the reverse stitching button.

This is useful if you just want to do a quick job and don’t want to get the foot pedal out and attach it, to save time.

The LCD screen
This screen allows you to easily select the type of stitch you need for your job.

Once the stitch is chosen it actually tells you which foot you need to put on for use with that particular stitch.

The screen is clear and the font is large.

Illumination of working area
Right above your working area are two LEDs which effectively light the entire area.

Wide table
A fitted plastic wide table is supplied with the machine to support your larger projects such as quilts.

FMQ
Yes you can do free motion quilting on the Brother CS6000i.

Replacement parts
The Brother CS6000i offers the luxury of being able to use standard replacement parts.

Any standard needle can be used with this machine as can any class 15 bobbins.

Issues raised with the Brother CS6000i

Many people have reported tension problems when using this sewing machine. There seems to be two ways to fix this.

One is to use a metal bobbin is instead of the plastic ones supplied, the second is to never use cheap thread.

One or other of these seems to cure the problem in the majority of cases.

I’ve been told that the metal bobbins are available at Wal-Mart, and they are even cheaper than the plastic ones.

Overall Opinion of the Brother CS6000i

Brother offer a limited warranty of a whopping 25 years on this item.

This has to be exceptional value for money and offers many functions of higher-priced models.

Any drawbacks that we have encountered have already been overcome by previous owners of these sewing machines. Such as the tensioning issue explained above.

Having looked into numerous sewing machines for the wife I would have to say that this is the one that I would get over all others. It offers a great number of useful features at a price point that even I can appreciate.

The wife also says it does everything that she needs and more. She’s not sure she will ever use all the features, but I suppose they are there if she ever wants to try them.

Specifications of the Brother CS6000i

• Weight: 13 lbs
• Size: Metric 12.5″ H x 9.75″ W x 9.6″ D Decimal 31.8cm H x 24.8cm x 24.4cm
• Speed: 850 Stitches per minute
• Power: 110 volts

As I looked into it, as I have a habit of doing with things that intrigue me, I discovered that a load of couples were doing it to save costs at their wedding. However, a growing number were having these wedding cupcakes as they were just a little bit different from normal wedding cakes.

A wedding cupcake stand full of these stunning little cakes does create a fantastic effect that can easily be the focus in any room.

Just take a look at the wedding cupcake pictures on this page to confirm that.

To set them off to full advantage you will want to use one of the many wedding cupcake towers that are on the market. They are designed especially for the big day and will certainly enhance your display. If searching for them online they are sometimes referred to as “bridal cupcake towers”.

Many companies will supply all of these items for you, but if you want to do it all yourself to add your own individual style to your wedding, then you can find all the items you need here. From cupcake favor boxes and baking cups, to decorations produced especially for wedding cupcakes, they’re all on here.

Of course to get them to the venue you want to protect them and we’ve done a review on a great cupcake carrier here.

Cost savings, although not a primary concern for most people, can be significant. A normal wedding cake can run between 4-6 dollars for a single slice. Whereas the wedding cupcake costs 1-2 dollars, if you buy them in. As you can see the wedding cupcake prices are significantly lower than the traditional cakes.

Of course, it can be even cheaper, and loads more fun, if you make them yourselves.

The Whirley-pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper will take you back to when food had flavour and an outing to the cinema was an experience to be savoured.

Back in those days of course the popcorn would come drenched in butter. Nowadays we are all much more health-conscious.

Because this popper works on a medium heat you can use virtually any oil you like but canola oil seems to work best. What this means is that you get a tasty healthy snack with virtually no cholesterol.

The unit comes with a wooden handle which stays cool to the touch during the cooking process.

A crank is incorporated into the handle which you turn slowly to aid the popping process. The crank will turn some thin arms at the base of the popper which ensures all the kernels are rotated evenly and keeps the popcorn from burning. This also means that virtually no kernel is left unpopped.

As the popcorn cooks moisture is released inside the popper. If left unchecked this would lead to soggy popcorn. The answer lies in the vents in the top of the lid. These allow moisture/steam to escape and not impact on the finished popcorn product.

From start to end this unit can make 6 quarts of popcorn, in one go, in a few minutes.

If you take a few minutes to look at the reviews on Amazon there are over 600 positive ones that average 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

This is a well put together piece of kit. If however, any of the moving parts fail then they are covered by a massive 25 year warranty.

Cleaning up this Stovetop Popcorn Popper is as simple as wiping it out, and putting it away until next time. Which probably won’t be long at all.

It’s a blend of three simple ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau and Lime juice. Some may add a little sugar or syrup to balance the sharpness if their preference is to add a little more lime juice than normal.

You would think that with just three main ingredients the process of making the perfect margarita would be quite straightforward.

Unfortunately people don’t usually get the mix just right especially with the inclusion of ice and a drinks end up either a watered down version of what they were after, or simply a cocktail with lumps of ice floating through it.

They never really seem to achieve the holy Grail of beautiful Margaritas with ice shavings running through them to cool the drink off, and get that restaurant quality drink experience.

Into this scenario steps a Margarita maker extraordinaire. It’s called the Margaritaville DM1000 Frozen Concoction Maker.

The unit can make up to 32 ounces of your favourite cocktail in one go. It will shave the ice and add it in the perfect proportions to the cocktails, the number of drinks you want you simply enter into the machine.

So you tell it to make 3 margaritas and it will. You add the ingredients to the glass jar put ice into the top of the machine and away you go.

If you’re having a party it can make a pitcher of your favourite drink in double quick time.

The shaved ice makes for a perfect smooth drink consistency. You can be sure all your friends will want to know where you got it.

And this is not just a margarita maker, how about Daiquiris or Pina coladas. For children’s parties what about strawberry fruit smoothies.

For easier use all the controls can be found on the front of the unit. It’s particularly easy to clean, and the pitcher has a drip free spout for your convenience.

With over 160 reviews on Amazon which average at 4 1/2 out of 5 stars this Margarita maker must be the best on the market.

Now you may think that one Snow Cone Maker is the same as any other Snow Cone Maker. And to a certain extent I would have to agree with you. After all when you get right down to the nitty-gritty they are fancy ice shavers.

However, this particular Snow Cone machine ships with the brand of snow cone syrup used in snow cone stands all across the country. The Hawaiian Ice Shaver syrups are strictly quality controlled, and there is no need to refrigerate them even after opening. There are 16 ounce bottles of grape, cherry and blue raspberry included with this cone maker.

To complete the package 25 snow cone cups, 25 snow spoons and three pourers are included. This means you can use it to create snow cones straight from the box without having to hunt around for extra bits and pieces. the kids are going to love you for it.

One small issue we have encountered when investigating this Snow Cone Maker is that the snow cone cups provided are not reusable. However, this is easily solved with the purchase of silicon-based snow cone cups available from Amazon.

A major plus point is the simplicity of this machine in use. You should fill it with ice, replace the lid, then push down and the machine will then produce the ice shavings that fill the cup. A quick drizzle of the flavoured syrup and you’re ready to go.

This machine is just so easy to setup and use, that you will be banging out loads of cones at you child’s party in no time at all.

But having said that when talking to many of my female friends they say that a cupcake carrier is an indispensable part of their kitchen armoury.

I’d can’t see it myself. But I respect their judgement and I am sure that if they say they need it then they probably do.

I have to admit that it does hold quite a few cupcakes, and if you want your cupcakes delivery to go to plan and all your cakes in one piece then it would make a sensible purchase.

The cupcake carrier displayed here is a solid item with over 100 positive reviews on Amazon. It also seems to come in at a reasonable price point.

Reviewers say that the individual holders for the cupcakes to go in are deep enough so you don’t have to worry about them flying around when in transit, which you do with other models.

The one thing about this particular item is that it seems to be fairly large and you must make sure you have enough storage space to put it away when not in use.

This cupcake carrier is made up of several tiers and each one is removable, so this helps a lot with any displays you may want to setup or in fact just with taking the cupcakes out of their container. They just lift out a tray at a time.

In addition, the space between the tiers is large enough so you can apply liberal amounts of frosting if required, without the risk of it all getting squished.

I suspect the biggest advantage is that with the carrier being airtight, the cupcakes do not dry out and having enough space around them during transit means you don’t have to have anything like plastic wrap around the cupcakes which could damage any intricate frosting designs you may have applied to them.

While most cupcake carriers have a limit of 24 this particular model increases that upwards to 36. Anything larger than this and you may be struggling to carry it.

One little tip that we found out about while doing the investigation for this review is that you can load a tray up with naked cupcakes and apply the decoration while they are being held steady by the holder.

The second tip you may find useful is that while the deep cake wells are good for keeping your cupcakes secure they can make removal a little tricky. You can help with the removal by simply placing a small candy at the bottom of the well before dropping your cupcake into it.

All in all this is a great little purchase for the home baker.