ASK A PROFESSIONAL: Why didn’t I think of that?

One of the challenges with taking the Locavore Challenge is hoping for the cooperation of Mother Nature.

This week, while we’re waiting for some delicious looking red raspberries to ripen at Berry Good Farm in rural Franklin County, we’re going to leave Ottawa Herald photographer Elliot Sutherland and his wife, Teresa, satisfied with the local food treats we’ve discovered over the past five weeks and explore some cool new products on the market.

The first thing that entered my mind when I discovered the Handy Hamper was “Duh. Why didn’t I think of that?”

This end to dirty clothing collection and storage, until laundry day, comes in the form of a sturdy, light-weight and breathable fabric over two clothes hangers. The Handy Hamper hangs in your closet and is ready to collect soiled clothing and bedding.

On laundry day there are no more burdensome clothes hampers or baskets to deal with. Simply slip the two hangers off the closet rod, grip the two cloth handles and off you go, carrying up to 15 pounds of laundry without strain on your lower back or the unbalanced act of carrying a heavy clothes basket in front of you.

Weekly sorting also is solved by having more than one Handy Hamper in your closet. Use one for lights, one for darks and one for delicates.

Retailing at $19.95, the Handy Hamper also is perfect for collecting all those things that make clutter in an otherwise well organized household. Use it to store sporting goods, shoes, toys, beach gear and odds and ends. It’s the perfect solution for just about any storage, collection and transport need.

 Think aprons are a thing of the past? You’ll think again when you see the 2009 version that brings fun, passion and excitement back to the kitchen.

 These delightful bib-style aprons are feminine and practical, made from attractive colors and stylish patterns and a great gift for the newlywed, first-time cook, experienced grandma or busy executive mom.

One-size-fits all styling selections include women’s men’s and children’s aprons.

Retailing at $29.95, the ruffled bottom and cute side-tie bow are trademarks of the Flirty Apron.

Makes you want to own one, just so you can say the name, doesn’t it?

 Golfers are going to love the new Typhoon Cover designed to protect the serious golfer’s biggest investment.

Clear, durable, light-weight vinyl construction allows the sportsman to easily see and select the club of choice without exposing the other clubs to harsh weather. A unique “rain drain” edge keeps water from dripping down into the golf bag.

Retailing for $20, the Typhoon Cover can be monogrammed or printed with corporate names.

Looking for free water? Catch a Drip has found it.

Your air conditioner’s condensation produces up to 10 gallons of water a day. With Catch a Drip you can redirect that water to irrigate flowers and vegetable gardens without spending a dime on water.

Catch a Drip’s unique adapter fits any standard three-fourths-inch PVC air conditioning drainpipe and comes in three lengths of hose depending on the homeowner’s needs.

Retailing for about $20, a rain barrel adapter also is available.

Card game enthusiasts will want a turn at the new hand-held electronic playing card dealer, Wheel-R-Dealer.

Wheel-R-Dealer takes the pain out of card dealing for those who have limited dexterity or suffer from arthritis. It also completely eliminates the ability to cheat while dealing.

Deal cards face down or face up with precision and accuracy to one player at a time.

Wheel-R-Dealer is a great gift for someone who enjoys one of America’s favorite pastimes.

For more information on these products or a Web site address, please call GNV Direct at (800) 803-4370.

Linda Brown is marketing director for The Ottawa Herald. E-mail her at lbrown@ottawaherald.com