What’s the story behind our testing process? We definitely have fun with it.

In addition to our formal procedures, we test products in our own homes, so we’re sure they will perform in yours. Our buyers take pride in searching out the best problem solvers made. And when it comes to product testing, everyone at Solutions gets involved—including our creative and marketing teams. Even some of our team member’s kids put various toys to the test.

We all look forward to our Thursday meeting when our buyers bring out new products. It’s like our very own “show and tell.” They educate us on each product, pass it around, and decide who would be the best person to test it. We get giddy when there are enough product samples for everyone on the team to take one home! Often we unanimously decide on a product because we know it’s what our customer wants.

Here are some of our favorites that made the cut:
Our “lunch box” for grown-ups is a top favorite. We have a refrigerator full of Getaway Bags at Solutions. When you open the office fridge, the array of colorful prints can’t help but make you smile.

Senior Art Director Lori-Ann loves our Fridge Binz. In fact, we even used her fridge for the photo (you can see on our website and in the catalog). Merchandising Director Amy raves about the Rockin’ Capris. Whether she’s traveling to a product show, going to dinner or on a walk, these pants are always with her. “If I only traveled with one pair of pants, this would the one,” she says.

Copy Director Ellie said her mom taught her to bake using her 1950-something KitchenAid stand mixer. So when the buyers asked her to product test the BeaterBlade+ on her own KitchenAid mixer, she gladly agreed…although she wasn’t convinced her mixer could perform any better. But she was wrong! After more than a year of using the BeaterBlade+, she loves her mixer even more because she doesn’t have to stop to scrape the bowl.

When you say the words “DryMate® Kitchen Dry Mat,” Senior Copywriter Louise is the first to sing its praises. “I don’t put everything in the dishwasher, so this mat is great when I hand wash things like pans, knives, plastic items and things we use every day,” she says. “It’s not bulky like a rack, and absorbs water a lot better than the kitchen towels I used to spread on the counter. Plus, it’s nice enough to leave out all the time, but is also easy to roll up and store when company comes.”

Of course, there will always be those products that didn’t get past our staff. What are those products? You don’t even want to know!

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Sure these swimming duckies paddle around the pool, pond or anywhere else there’s a refreshing bath of water, but we soon discovered that everything is more fun with yellow ducks!

A couple of our staff members have already taken the ducks on vacation and found that they make perfect travel companions—and they get a lot of attention. Below are some photos of our ducks on their adventures.

Read more »

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Ever wonder how to make your special roses last longer?  A few extra minutes of care can extend the life of those flowers.

Preparing your flowers:

• When you get home, cut off at least ¼” of each rose stem (use a clean knife or scissors) and place immediately in room temperature water. They can stay this way until you have a few minutes to finish caring for them.
• Put fresh water in a CLEAN vase. Many bouquets die from bacteria left over from former “tenants.” Wash your vases in hot, soapy water. You can also clean vases with a mild bleach solution and rinse.  Inexpensive vases can go on the top shelf of the dishwasher.
• Add the floral “food” that is usually attached to the bouquet. If your store doesn’t provide it, try this homemade recipe (2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach, 1 quart warm water ).
• Treat each rose separately. Cut another ¼” to  ½” off the stem. Cutting them at an angle allows more surface area for water absorption. Remove all leaves that will placed below water level. Arrange each rose into the fresh, treated water.

In the vase:

• Keep roses in a fairly cool spot, out of direct sunlight.
• Every 2 to 4 days, cut ¼” to ½” off the stems and place flowers in fresh water. You’ll be amazed at how long they will last.

This technique works for most flowers.

How can I tell if the flowers I buy are fresh?
One thing to look for in roses is a tight bud. If the roses are open, they won’t last as long.  Also look at the leaves. If the leaves look yellow or dry, the flowers may be older.

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Our company has long been committed to green business practices, and in recognition of our efforts, Solutions (as part of Norm Thompson Outfitters) received an award for Excellence in Waste Prevention, Recycling and Environmental Purchasing on Earth Day 2010. We now join an elite group of Portland-area businesses who have been recognized for their progressive recycling efforts.

In celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, our company’s “Green Team” (made up of employee volunteers) put together an informational event designed to help our staff better understand what and where to recycle while at work and at home. A full layout of the cleaning products used in our building and of what objects can and can’t be recycled was displayed for employees to see.

In addition to enjoying an array of eco-friendly refreshments, each employee received a cloth shopping bag containing a live, Pacific Crabapple sapling.

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You can help the victims of crises around the world (like the recent earthquake in Haiti) a by making a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. The International Response Fund offers immediate relief and long-term support to those in need with supplies, technical assistance and other support. To make a financial contribution, mail your check made out to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. If you wish, you may designate the relief effort of your choice with your donation (i.e. Haiti Earthquake Relief). Donations to the International Response Fund can also be made online at www.redcross.org, or over the telephone by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

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Breast cancer is near to our hearts at Solutions®…in part because members of our own “family” have had their lives touched by it. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Solutions® was proud to donate the proceeds from our Pink Ribbon Magnets during the month of October to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. As the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been dedicated to eradicating breast cancer at every stage for over 25 years.

Judging by how fast our Pink Ribbon Magnets sold out, it’s easy to see this issue is as important to you as it is to us – you made it possible for Susan G. Komen for the Cure to receive $2,795. Solutions® thanks you for making this promotion a great success!

If you didn’t get a chance to take part in this special promotion, you can still show support for breast cancer awareness by making a personal donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

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Breast cancer is near to our hearts at Solutions® … in part because members of our own “family” have had their lives touched by it. To promote breast cancer awareness, $1.25 is donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every Pink Ribbon Magnet sold during the month of October. As the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been dedicated to eradicating breast cancer at every stage for over 25 years. (Editors Note: We have sold out of the pink ribbon magnets, thank you to everyone for helping us support the fight against breast cancer.)

We know this issue is as important to you as it is to us. Keeping watching for special breast cancer awareness promotions at Solutions. You may also show your support by making a personal donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

For Solutions, breast cancer is personal: Lynn’s story
When Lynn was told she had breast cancer, she was both shocked and devastated.
Read Lynn’s full story

Surviving breast cancer: Cheryl’s story
Cheryl, a Solutions buyer, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2003. Now cancer-free, it gives her special pleasure to recommend products that support breast cancer awareness.
Read Cheryl’s full story

For more information about breast cancer or to make a personal donation, visit http://ww5.komen.org/

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