I’m really trying to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve mentioned in the past that there are a lot of obvious little things that you can do to decrease your carbon footprint, the number one being recycling, but I like to look for the less than obvious choices. Sure, I could buy a bunch of those fancy lightbulbs for my house, but I’ll still have quite a ways to go in the saving the world department.
That’s why I like the Flip ‘n Charge Solar Powered Flickering LED Candles (Vat19, $23.95) – not only are they helping to decrease our reliance on traditional power sources, but they’re also pretty awesome. Everyone knows that solar lights rock, yet not everyone uses them. Why not? Because solar lights are usually relegated to your yard. However, this set of two candles harnesses the energy of the sun to yield eight hours of simulated flickering candlelight after charging for only three to six hours. Each LED candle is outfitted with solar panels on the base that act as an on/off switch; flip the candle rightside up to turn on, flip the candle upside down to turn off.
Let these babies charge up on your windowsill and you’ve got a guaranteed light source should your power go out during the next major snowstorm (*cough* Tuesday *cough*). Or maybe you’re trying to throw a low-key, yet romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for your sweetie – what’s more romantic than some eco-conscious candlelight?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.5″ diameter x 3.5″ tall
-Set of 2 solar powered LED candles
-Flip over candles to recharge via solar panels on base
-Flip rightside up to turn on, flip upside down to turn off
-LED bulb flickers light real candle
-8 hours of candle light per charge
-Full charge typically takes 3-6 hours
-Indoor/outdoor use
-Frosted shade design
-Water resistant
-Unscented
I’m pretty sure I have at least four or five flashlights in my house, but whenever I need one, it’s like they all get up and leave. Seriously, I can’t ever seem to find a single one of them. If I’m lucky enough to track one down, it’s always just about dead and pretty much no help at all. There has to be a better answer to portable lighting!
The Credit Card Lightbulb (ThinkGeek, $4.99) will rescue you from the darkness! A portable light that fits inside your wallet – preposterous! Believe it or not (and you’d better believe it, because it’s true), this light is has the same dimensions as a credit card while being only slightly thicker and can be easily stored in your wallet, pants pocket, or purse. The lightbulb section flips up to turn on the light while the rest of the card serves as a base. So wherever you are, you’re guaranteed to have easy access to a small, yet effective light source. I mean, it sure beats trying to fit a flashlight in your wallet.
It looks like your wallet has a great idea. Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.
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5 out of 5 stars.
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Specs:
-Dimensions: same size as credit card, but slightly thicker
-Small lightbulb folds flat for storage
-Easily fits in wallets or purses
-Flip up for light
-Card serves as base
-Batteries included
These winter days are so cold that it makes it harder than ever to get out of bed in the morning. Why would you want to leave the warmth of your cozy bed when you know that it’s just going to be another chilly day out there? Needless to say, I’ve been hitting the snooze a lot lately. The only thing that bugs me about that (besides constantly being late to work because no one ever hits the snooze just once) is that I have to almost sit up in bed to see what time it is because my alarm clock is on my headboard. It really ruins my sleep continuity. In fact, it kinda forces me to get up – and who wants that?!
With the Radio Controlled Projection Alarm Clock (Things You Never Knew Existed, $24.98), it doesn’t matter where your alarm clock is because you can project the time on the wall. Instead of twisting and turning in your bed to read those little numbers, just press the snooze/light button and the clock projects the time on the wall using an adjustable projection arm that rotates 180 degrees. Using the WWVB signal, the clock syncs itself every night to give you the most accurate time possible. The clock’s large LCD display features the time as well as the date, day of the week, and a map of the USA.
Speaking of snoozing, I think I’m gonna be a little late to work tomorrow. Again.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5″ x 3.5″ x 1.25″
-Projects time on wall by pressing snooze/light button
-Adjustable projection arm rotates 180 degrees
-Large LCD display with time, date, day of week, and USA map display
-4 time zone settings
-Synchronizes with WWVB signal for precision accuracy
-Uses AC adapter (included) or 2 AA batteries (not included)
One of the great things about cooking at home is that you know exactly what goes into your meal. I was reading a story online the other day about a person who ordered a sandwich from a local deli and ended up chewing on a staple halfway through the meal. I can guarantee that I’ve never had anything close to that type of problem when I’ve cooked at home (I’ve probably ingested more than a few strands of my own hair, but who hasn’t?). Another advantage, besides the fact that you’re not eating inedibles, is that you’re also saving money by not eating out every meal. So then why do so many people shy away from cooking for themselves? Because it’s hard, at first. There are measurements and cooking times and technical jargon to get through – and even after all that, you still might suck at it.
I’m not saying that the Upside Down Apron with Cooking Guide (Perpetual Kid, $29.99) will make you a professional chef, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. Let’s start with the basics: an apron. Yes, you should wear an apron. Why? Because cooking is messy (if you’re doing it right) and you’re bound to be covered in flour/sauce/grease by the end of it. The great thing about this apron is that it has all the helpful little tips printed on it that beginners need to know while also serving as a handy reference guide once you get more experience in the kitchen. And the piece de resistance? Everything is printed upside down so you can just pick up the bottom of your apron and read it while you’re cooking.
The important thing to remember is to start slowly, maybe heat up some soup or boil an egg. If you can’t master those tasks, just order a pizza.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Measurements, cooking times, and more
-Printed upside down for easy reading
-One size fits most
Have you been outside lately? If you haven’t let me let you in on a little secret: it’s cold out there! Seriously though, it’s more than a bit chilly outside as we coast into the tail end of winter. One of the worst things about cold weather (besides freezing your butt off) is how hard it is to breathe in that frosty air. And if the wind picks up, forget about it. Remember the last time you had the misfortune of breathing at the same time as the wind whipped by your face? It’s like choking on air – wonderful, right?
You could probably get away with wearing a ski mask or a scarf that covers your face, but even then you can’t fully escape the clutches of winter air. The Subzero Warm Breath Mask (Hammacher Schlemmer, $59.95) not only protects your lungs from cold, dry air but it also heats it. Using a microbe-resistant ventilation chamber, the mask keeps moisture off your face while at the same time warming it up to temperatures 40 to 60 degrees warmer than outside air. The mask allows you to take full breaths, which then traps small pockets of warm exhalation and allows you to breathe normally.
Sure, you’ll look a little strange (ok, a lot strange) wearing this contraption, but at least you’ll be able to breathe easy, right? Anyway, it’s got to be better than wearing a ski mask and having people stare at you like you’re gonna rob them.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Humidifies and warms winter air
-Up to 80% humidity
-Temperatures 40° F to 60° F warmer than outside air
-Mask is wind resistant Polartec fleece
-Hook and loop flaps fit over goggles and helmets
-Made of medical grade microbe resistant polyurethane
-One size fits all
