Archive for March, 2010

real simple debuts organizers at bed bath

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

realsimplehangers
sweaterorg
Sometimes something hits your inbox at just the right time. Such was the case when Real Simple magazine alerted us that they’re not only are they promoting organization, they’re now making it simpler (of course) with a line of closet and drawer organizers for Bed Bath & Beyond. This was perfect timing for me, who has finally decided that the ridiculous setup of our two closets — too narrow, too dark, poorly situated — must be tackled. I am eyeing the sweater organizer (with a nifty vertical or side-by-side option) and I love the idea of the closet drawers! Click to see all the new organizers from Real Simple. — Mary T.

reduce pet hair and lint with lint balls

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

lint_balls

When was the last time you even looked at a Lillian Vernon catalog? I know — it’s been years! But my mom has been absolutely raving about these black and yellow lint balls that reduce the amount of lint and pet hair on your clothes. You just toss them in your washing machine, and the nylon micro-brushes catch and hold the fuzz, rather than having it redeposit on your clothes. Since I’m constantly plagued by cat hair (two white cats will do that) I decided to take the plunge and get some, testing them first on my dark brown flannel sheets (which are a cat hair magnet). Lo and behold, they seemed to help — and I even noticed my towels produced less lint in the dryer. I’ll admit, I was pleasantly surprised! — Megan B.

strangely appealing: t-post “wearable magazines”

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

magazineT
rpstshirt

Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for big, beautiful books for my coffee table. Before I can commit, I need to get rid of the stacks of magazines (my guilty pleasure) that are currently hanging out on there en masse. The problem could be solved while saving paper if I switched to T-post, a Sweden-based “world’s first wearable magazine.” Every five weeks, subscribers receive a new T-shirt in the mail with a story printed on the inside and an artist’s interpretation of it displayed on the front. What’s more, graphics can be interactive — the latest “issue” includes a game of rock-paper-scissors that you can play via the T-Post site. Featured news articles tend to be offbeat and thought-provoking to boot, and the graphic T itself is both a fashion piece and conversation starter. At $36 US per issue including shipping, the cost far exceeds that of a traditional magazine, but would clear up some room on the table. Visit T-post to learn more. — Sarah C.

etsy find: state pillows by lovecalifornia

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

lovecaliforniapillows

A lot of state pillows seem to be cropping up these days, but I’m kinda fond of the wool felt versions by Etsy seller lovecalifornia. Each one is stitched with a tiny heart so you can show your state some love, and the palette is colorful yet muted enough to keep these pillows from verging into kitsch. Find your state for $38-40 right here. — Mary T.

kinda genius: wine glass lampshade

Monday, March 1st, 2010

wineshades

These little vellum lamp shades will transform any wine glass and votive into a pretty lamp (and any living room into a romantic honeymoon suite) and would also be a beautiful, easy centerpiece for unfussy brides. From the MoMA gift store, they are packaged in groups of three for $15 ($13.50 for members) . — Katie D.

sweet on soaps from seattle sundries

Monday, March 1st, 2010

genderneutralsoap
seattlesundries

I stumbled across these handcrafted soaps at Seattle Sundries and am desperate to try one. My fave? Gender Neutral. The ingredients — cocoa powder, vanilla and sweet birch essentials oils — add up to a scent described as “slightly reminiscent of root beer.” Just $9.50 for a tin, although, on second thought, I better order two. The tins are definitely fight-worthy! — Sarah L.

five things we learned last week

Monday, March 1st, 2010

fivethingspartylanterns

1) A Roomba is probably in our future. Even though robotic vacuums aren’t perfect, they work well enough that you wouldn’t give them up. Jenny says: “I LOVE my roomba. It definitely doesn’t replace a good regular cleaning, but it helps keep things in better shape in between. I have a small house, hardwood floors, 2 dogs, and a cat. The pet hair situation was obscene before the roomba — now it’s almost under control.” Do you Roomba?

2) Now if only they made mini versions just for dogs. Katie D. wants a tabletop robo vacuum. Ellie says: “Truly Outrageous! I personally can handle my crumbs, but how awesome would it be if the dog had one of these that followed her around? mopping up under her water bowl or drool spots. No more “hot foot” and ruined socks, ahh bliss.”

3) Cooking Light baked potato soup delivers. Julie says: “Always looking for light versions of my favorite recipes. When I found this one I didn’t believe it would all that it was said to be. Boy was I wrong! It deserves to be on the ‘best of’ list!” Read it here.

4) Boiling the FoodPod? No worries. Though you love the look of the FoodPod just like us, a couple of you were concerned about boiling it. Luckily, Megan b. sets us straight. She says: “Silicone isn’t technically a plastic, though it displays many properties like plastic. It’s difference is that it’s chemically inert and safe at high temps, which is why you see so many silicone spatulas and baking pans these days. No dioxins or pcb’s! Yay!” Thanks, Megan!

5) LEGO buildable board games already have fans. Apparently the idea of board games you build from LEGOs and then play is so cool, it even inspired a serious comment from a regular reader who usually comments mainly to amuse us! T Bone says: “how awesome are legos? seriously, they never cease to amaze.” T Bone, are you feeling well? Hope you recover soon! Click for buildable board games.