8. POT STICKER
Commune with nature while you scrub the vegetables. The Punk-u-Pine Scrubber turns his nylon bristles and silver-beady eyes loose on dirt, and he's dishwasher-safe, too. $10; Bibelot, several Twin Cities locations. Storefinder at www.bibelotshops.com.
3. PIN PALS
It's a plastic world but you don't have to be. Upgrade your design aesthetic with real wood push pins in walnut or golden oak finishes. $2.95 for pack of 20; Storables, 7401 France Av. S., Edina; 952-831-5600.
4. MÜ, MÜ
Twin Cities-based manufacturer of MÜ bundles its colorful two-for-one microfiber Mü dishcloth -- it has a sewn-on scrubbing patch -- with a towel for drying and polishing. Several colors, lint free, $13.99; Bachman's, several Twin Cities locations. Storefinder at www.bachmans.com. Details, additional retailers at www.mucloth.com.
5. DOUBLE DUTY
The two-sided Fuzzy Wuzzy wears like an oven mitt. One side is chenille for scrubbing; the other microfiber for dusting, polishing and buffing. Machine washable, $5.95; Storables, 7401 France Av. S., Edina; 952-831-5600.
6. PATTERN PLAY
Bright stripes hold the promise of spring. "Lakeside Blue" Everyday Bedding lines by Martha Stewart, also in cobalt. Sets of flat and fitted sheets with one pillowcase, $14.49 twin to $43.99 king; Kmart, several Twin Cities locations. Storefinder at www.kmart.com.
7. COLOR WASH
Boxed dishcloths in aqua, citron and lime summon visions of a Caribbean getaway while you suds the dishes. Or at least brighten the sink. 13 inches square in 100 percent cotton, $4.99; Linden Hills Natural Home, 2822 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis, 612-279-2479.
2. CARD CADDY
Trying to remember where you put the plumber's business card? Or the swatch for the perfect paint? Mini-Three-Ring Binders with a choice of inserts -- we chose the 90-card capacity vinyl pages - corral them nicely. Assorted designs, $10; vinyl pages, $5; russell + hazel, 4388 France Av. S., Minneapolis; 952-929-9000.
1. FINE FIR
If you really can't bear to let go of the heady holiday scent of evergreen, Minneapolis-based Thymes Ltd. has extended its Frasier Fir scent to dishwashing soap. $10 for 16 fluid ounces; 1-800-366-4071 for the nearest store or www.thymes.com.
