These clocks are very cute and simple. They’re a great gift idea, and they would work quite well in a home office. I really love how “hip” is in, making it easy to find everything in bold colors that weren’t so standard until recently. I think I would choose the white.
White or Red Painted Wood Table Clocks from Cost Plus World Market, $19.99
Growing your own herbs can be relaxing, therapeutic, educational and cute. Just look at this adorable little winking Taterpot ($11.99), and tell me I’m wrong. I love the dangling feet–I want one for my garden window. It comes with seeds and a peat puck, so they’ll be no procrastination, and you can get your grown on immediately.
I don’t exactly know what I’d do with these ceramic Take Out Containers, but I find them absolutely adorable. In fact, I’ve had my eye on them for awhile and was pleased to see that they made it into the Wrapables sale section (new price= $7.99, old price= $18.95). The website promotes the use of them to hold actual Chinese takeout as pictured above, but that’s weird. I prefer their other suggestions, which include using one as a flower vase as well a holder of takeout menus or kitchen accessories. I’d just use one as an honest-to- goodness chachki.Â
Ceramic Take out Container $7.99 (was $18.99)
Lots of dogs love water, and there’s not much cuter than a swimming pooch, but a pool can equal danger for dogs. And just as you shouldn’t leave kids unattended poolside (duh!), the same goes for your family pet. While the SPCA says the number one way to prevent your dog from drowning is supervision, they also promote the use of the Skamper Ramp ($49.50), a worthy invention from Skamper Ramp Industries that allows dogs to get out of the pool safely. The design allows your pet to get a grip much better than the tiled sides of a pool, which can be slippery for a wet and tired dog. You still have to train your dog to use it, but the time spent is well worth it. It could also save an unfortunate cat who plops in, but good luck training one to use it.
Please read more about pet pool safety here.
I have to admit, until today, I’d never in my life seen or heard of a salt pig. Never. But, now that I’ve learned, I’m a believer. In case you’re ignorant to the charms of a salt pig as I was, they’re handy little pots like the one featured above from CyberCucna ($7.99) that give you easy access to salt while you’re cooking. That’s what that big, gaping hole is all about–your hands can easily slide in for a pinch or, if you’re a clean freak, you can use a spoon.
But that’s not all (that’s my infomercial voice), that opening also allows air in, creating a dry home for salt, which is good because moisture is definitely the enemy of America’s favorite seasoning.
Plus, there are lots of really cute ones:
Emile Henry Provencale Collection, $33.95
Woodard & Charles 3-Piece Set, $14.95
Now this is a convenient little tool. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s going through the trouble of taking the blender down from the cupboard and having to clean it just to make one blasted little smoothie. Usually, I’ll forgo an urge for a fruity concoction just to avoid the hassle. And I know I’m not the only one.
Well, here’s a solution to this common problem of the lazy person: the Tribest Personal Blender/Coffee Grinder/Smoothie Maker. I’m not kidding. That’s its proper title, and marketing decisions aside, I’m all for this little appliance as I’m all for most all-in-ones. Plus, I love that the top is actually a cup. Convenient!
Click here to get the sale price:Tribest Personal Blender / Coffee Grinder / Smoothie Maker PB-200, $59.99 (was $85.70)
Cute and simple, this TrueModern 4 Drawer Dresser ($699) is intended for a kid’s bedroom, but I don’t see why it can’t go in my bedroom. I think this is a great piece of furniture, and I’m not even much for the light wood varieties. Were this dresser mine, I’d highlight the colored handles with a bedspread of the same color, or I’d do a contrasting color (maybe orange or mustard?) on the bed and decorate with a few subtle home accessories in blue. I might even place a knicknack on the top of it…but then where would I pile the clothes and throw my loose change?
I’m a lover of snack trays, it’s true. I think they’re a blessing to the modern household since they’re so convenient when you feel like taking a meal or your morning coffee in front of the tube. My favorite use for a tray table, though, is at a party. They’re perfect, especially if they’re a nice cherry wood like the ones featured above, for placing party food and discarded drink cups upon. I’ve also used mine to supplement an overcrowded dining room table during Thanksgiving dinner–they hold a bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy boat quite well.Â
But enough with the singing of the praises. This set of snack tables is the deal of the day because right now at Kohls if you buy one set for $99.99, you get a second set free. You can either keep both for yourself, split the cost with a friend, or give one as a gift. You decide.
What if I told you there was a way to build your dream house in a prime location for under $1,000? Well, it’s true–virtually. The New York Times reports that Second Life, a virtual world introduced into the material universe by San Francisco-based Linden Lab in 2003, is in the middle of a housing boom. Paralleling life in the real world, many Second Life residents have tired of the wild life and are looking for a little permanence for their electronic identities. As a result, many are building dream homes and laying roots in virtual communities, complete with chatty neighbors and strict zoning laws.
The price of a piece of land in Second Life is around 55,000 Lindens, which is the equivalent of $200. Then there are maintenance fees between $25-40 a month. However, once that’s all taken care of, houses come cheap at around $5 (decorating will run you about $20). And residents are definitely taking advantage of the low costs, decking out their properties with mission-style furniture, elaborate gardens, hot tubs, dance floors, and bars. The skies the limit for Second Lifers.
Read the whole article, “A House That’s Just Unreal” by Seth Kugel here.
Easy Energy Saving Tip: Wash your clothes in cold water
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is spent on heating the water. You’re paying for that energy, and it adds up over time. Also, clothes loose their luster at a slower pace when you launder them in cold water–warmer temperatures can fade color and weaken fibers.
I recently started washing most of my clothes in the cold cycle, and I haven’t seen any difference in how clean they get. The only exception I make is for whites since hot temps do seem to make a difference in removing stains.
I also hang dry about half my clothes now–in the summer sun, it’s a quick process, and come winter, I’ll hang them overnight on door frames and shower rods. If put it on hangers, it’s a cinch to put dry garments away.
Here are some more laundry-related, energy-saving tips:
Â