A couple of years ago, we (and many other blogs) gushed about this lovely KULLA lamp from IKEA. It was brand new, available in a gorgeous blood red, and had this nifty “touch” on-off switch that even a cat could operate. We bought one for our cottage bedroom and have loved it and its three light levels — our habit was to leave it on the dimmest one when we put our daughter in her crib, then shut it off completely when we slinked into our bed hours later. Well, it seems to have lost its mind. It started turning itself on and off and cycling through its degrees of brightness all on its own. Constantly, never stopping. No amount of touching or banging or pleading would get it to stop. Chad took it apart to see if we could easily rewire, and that doesn’t seem to be the case. The entire thing is constructed around this “touch” mechanism. I’m so sad! Is there no way to save this lovely bedside companion? Has anyone else had similar experiences? — Angela M.

This stylish and eco-friendly foot rest is made using repurposed, fair-trade coffee bags. Since the upholstery is recycled, each ottoman is completely unique. Gus Design Group is located in Canada, but their goods are available through dealers across the United States. Their products definitely aren’t cheap, but they sure are inspiring! — Erica P.

Before my layoff earlier this year, my lifestyle was not exactly glamorous, but I also never gave things like buying a round of drinks much thought. Now that we’re paying more attention to our budget, we can’t join our friends on every outing. And yet, socializing over food and drink is one of our favorite things to do! So that’s why I opened the yard last week for a potluck BBQ. We supplied the meat and a small assortment of drinks, friends brought salads, condiments, and plenty of beer. Not only was this a huge success — people arrived early, stayed late, and chatted around the makeshift “fire pit” above (I used a metal flowerpot from IKEA with a few bricks underneath it) — we didn’t break the bank. Even better, because we weren’t driving ourselves crazy by trying to prepare every single item, getting ready for the party was much less stressful than any I’ve ever thrown. But the real sign of its success? One of our friends wants to make it a regular thing, so she volunteered ot host next month! This is recessionista living that I can get into! –Mary T.

Fish is one of those things that I need to work into our menu more often, and this recipe from Real Simple has earned a place in my steady meal-rotation list. It’s for an easy broiled, glazed salmon that is served over rice with broccoli. I use my handy rice cooker to to make the rice, adding broccoli to the pot just before the rice is done. While that is cooking (takes about 20 minutes), I broil the salmon along with a sliced red onion (they’ve been seasoned just with olive oil and s&p). When that is nearly done, I pour a simple glaze on top — it’s made from brown sugar and soy sauce. Though the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar for 2 tablespoons of soy sauce — I used a little more soy sauce (low sodium), and brown rice instead of white. The first time I made it, the broiler burnt the salmon and onion right after the glaze was added. The second time, I kept the broiler on low, and kept a watchful eye. It may have taken a little longer, but the results (above) were lovely. This dish was yummy, healthy and best of all — easy to clean up! (Another tip, be sure to line your pan with aluminum foil. Click here for the recipe at Real Simple. — Angela M.

I’m going out on a limb and saying it’s OK to hang posters as art even after you graduate college. Now let me be clear, I’m not talking about a Starry Night replica tacked to your wall. It’s important to be creative and to take care in presenting your posters. I think a cool frame can elevate even a paper napkin to art. Fortunately, many of the posters at postercabaret.com don’t need much help. I love this limited edition concert poster for Blonde Redhead by Jesse Ledoux. It’s hand-signed and still only $30! Search by your favorite bands, or peruse the options in the art print category. Happy hunting! –Erica P.

Need an artful way to hang a poster on the cheap? Click here. For more great poster finds, try here, here, and here.

When we were away for a few days for our anniversary, we found ourselves wanting to celebrate with some elegant drinks (that means beer) but without a bottle opener. A trip to Whole Foods got us the Bottle Bunny. Oh, we could have spent less on a run-of-the-mill portable opener, but we couldn’t resist this wall-mounted beauty (or is that “beast”?). Now he’s lending a touch of whimsy and horror to our deck. Perfect for relaxing outside…I think! Score yours at Newbury Comics for $20. –Mary T.

I’m always on the lookout for new products for the animals, and I was especially delighted to stumble across Eastvold Furniture on Etsy. The online presence of Minnesota company Eastvold Custom Woodworks, Eastvold Furniture makes a variety of furniture for both human and animal from “reclaimed woods, ethically harvested woods, laminate, metal, and really good hardware.” I love the modern design of the Buster Dog Dish, $195 — and you can store the food in that compartment in the middle! And check out the sleek, beautiful walnut finish on the Classic Coffee Table, $767. Gorgeous. And if you have your own ideas, Eastvold will custom build your design, too. See all the fine designs from Eastvold Furniture here. –Mary T.

When Mary T. tipped me off to a site that sells a Polaroid candle, I knew I had found a new favorite web destination in Urbancase.com. Scouring the site, I fell hard for the Melli Compact Lounge. The slim, wall-mounted bar has room enough room for your favorite bottles, and comes complete with tools for all your bartending needs. I’m not sure if it’s available for purchase just yet, but I’ve definitely got my eye on it. –Erica P.

If you grow up with a mother who keeps telling you to be careful, you develop phobias about things like, oh, a candle falling over and setting a fire. That’s a reasonable fear, right? No? I love this vintage candle holder anyway. First, it’s a completely unconventional shape — vintage, yet modern looking at the same time. It would go perfectly as a centerpiece, or on top of a dresser. And you can’t beat the price — as of this writing, bidding is starting at $4.99. Bid here. –Bay A.

Recently, my friend was raving about this tomato planter he purchased, the Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter. It’s basically a hanging planter with a hole at the bottom, so the tomatoes grow upside down, eliminating the need for stakes and weeding. I think it’s pretty groovy, but I can’t say that I am a fan of the look — and I wanted to keep my tomatoes growing on the cheap. Googling around a bit, I ran across instructions for this cool little family craft project where you can make your own version. I’m not sure which I’ll end up doing, but my tomatoes are definitely growing upside down this year! –Megan B.