These boots are made for sloshin’

Are you tired of having the hem of your pants dragging in rain puddles? Chooka rain boots are not just protection for your feet; they’re stylish to fit your personality. From bold plaids to buckles, Chooka rain boots let you be a girly girl or a garden goddess. They are available in a variety of colors and both patterns and solids. Best of all, they are weatherproof. Available locally at Nordstrom, starting at $54.95.

Warm up with hot cocoa

Just in time for cold weather, Bialetti introduces a new electric hot chocolate maker. The Italian company, known for its espresso makers, offers a new sleeker design with a 32-ounce pot. It’s as easy as filling it up with milk and adding shaved chocolate or cocoa for the perfect heated and frothed blend to warm up a fall night. Available at Crate&Barrel for $99.95.

Beware of dryer dangers

Thousands of house fires each year are caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Many of those fires result in injuries and death. To help keep your dryer safe, Richard Cecil, of locally owned Mr. Appliance, suggests the following: Keep your dryer free of lint; clean exhaust vents; use heat-resistant metallic ducting; and make sure exhaust vents lead outside the home. For more tips, go to: www.mrappliance.com.

— T.J. Banes