Top drawer

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Tomato knives

Price: $7.95 for the King Arthur Flour tomato knife; $15 for the color-coated tomato knife from The Pampered Chef.

What it does: These serrated knives allow you to cut tomatoes to your desired thickness with out tearing them.

How it makes your life easier: Since produce is more expensive this year, I hate to sacrifice a slice of summer's favorite fruit to a dull blade. These knives make chopping and slicing precise. Both knives are also easy to clean and are compact enough to store in a picnic basket for outdoor gatherings. Each comes in a protective sleeve that should be used for storage.

Who would use it: Any tomato lover, hostess, caterer or home cook.

Where to get it: The King Arthur knife is available through their Web site at www.kingarthurflour.com (hit shop, then search 'tomato knife'). The color coated-tomato knife is available through Pampered Chef consultants or online at www.pamperedchef.com.

bridgette.lacy@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-8925

Salvage savvy tips

In response to our salvage re-purposing story last week in Home & Garden, Kerry Celestini of the Habitat ReStore in Raleigh offers these tips to consumers who may be pondering a trip to the store:

Measure carefully.

Be selective.

If you're unsure of something, bring your contractor to shop with you.

Additionally, Celestini says the ReStore provides a two-week warranty on its appliances. Customers will be given store credit for appliances returned within the two-week period.

Electronic pet door

What do you get the pampered pooch who has everything? Their very own entryway, of course. The folks at Plexidor Pet Doors have created an electronic door opener that is triggered by a wearable "collar key" that clips to your pet's collar. The door recognizes the code as the pet approaches the door and, voila, slides up to allow entrance. (Say goodbye to the need for middle of the night and early morning wakings to let Fifi out for potty breaks). The technology requires no batteries and allows you to have as many pets as you want have access to the door without the worry of your neighbor's (or nature's) animals dropping in. We haven't seen the door in action, but the manufacturer states that the product is rust proof and contains a safety mechanism that will prevent the door from closing on tails, paws or fingers. The doors range in price from $129 to $800 depending on the size and model. Check them out at www.dogdoors.com or call 1-800-749-9609.

Garden bonanza

Put down your garden shears and take a stroll through (and get some inspiration from) some of Wake County's prettiest private gardens. On Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m., garden enthusiasts will be able to view colorful flowering shrubs, stately magnolias, dogwoods, roses, gazebos, fountains, ponds and more at six private homes. It's all part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Tour. Tickets can be purchased for $5 per garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh. For more information, including addresses and descriptions of the gardens, visit www.opendaysprogram.org.