Do you spend a lot of time thinking about what would happen if someone broke into your house? A friend of mine is constantly preparing for the zombie apocalypse, and while I think that’s a valiant effort, it’s probably a bit more realistic to shield yourself from potential burglars. There are so many vulnerable areas in your home that it can be a bit daunting to protect yourself at every possible angle, but you can make sure that your most precious valuables stay safe.
The key to making your home burglar-proof is of course a good offense like deadbolts and a security system, but what if they manage to get past those? You’d better arm yourself with a baseball bat and your favorite items with the Combination Lock Book Safe (Things You Never Knew Existed, $24.98). Sure, this book makes you look like a dictionary enthusiast, but it also protects your valuables with a secret safe compartment! This fake dictionary features a built-in steel box that is apparently large enough to store a handgun (if you were so inclined) and is protected by a 3-digit combination lock. Since most burglars are on a time clock, you’ll probably be able to fool them by storing your goodies in this cleverly disguised safe.
Unfortunately, you’ll be sacrificing the actual dictionary in favor of storing your stuff. Tough break.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 2.75″ x 8″ x 9.5″ (inside)
- -Hide goods in plain sight
- -Built in steel box
- -3 digit combination lock
I’m what you would call a morning person. I don’t really like to get up early, but I can do it if I have to and I have no problem getting out of bed as soon as my alarm clock goes off. The snooze function is fairly unfamiliar territory to me. My friend, on the other hand, is definitely not a morning person. He’s the type of sleeper that doesn’t even realize the alarm went off and he hit the snooze button three times already. He’s grumpy and you generally can’t have a conversation with him until a full hour has passed since he got out of bed.
Whether you’re a morning person or not, you’ve got to admit that your alarm clock isn’t the most pleasant thing in the world. Why would you want to be harshly jolted out of REM when you could be gently awoken? The Peaceful Progression Wake Up Clock (Hammacher Schlemmer, $69.95) uses a combination of light, smell, and sound to gradually rouse you from your slumber. First, starting a half hour before its set time the clock emits a soft glow that slowly becomes brighter. Next, the warmth from the glowing lights activates aromatherapy scents to stimulate your sense of smell. Then, your choice of six nature sounds will play fifteen minutes before the set alarm time. Finally, a beeper sounds at the set alarm time to signal the end of the wake-up cycle. And yes, there is a snooze button in case you need it.
You know you wake up naturally on the weekends feeling completely rested? Imagine feeling that way every day.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 7.5″ x 5.25″ x 6.25″
- -Weight: 2.5 lbs
- -Uses increasing light, stimulating aromas, and nature sounds
- -Features snooze, headphone jack, and volume control
- -AC powered
- -Uses 2 AA batteries for backup power
I like to cook. I do not like to clean. The problem is, cleaning almost always seems to follow cooking in some regard. Maybe you’re proficient enough in your culinary skill that your kitchen doesn’t need a thorough cleaning after each time you cook, but mine usually looks like a bomb went off in there. If I need a tablespoon of flour, you can bet there’s a cup of it scattered throughout my kitchen. My point is, I don’t need any help making messes but I sure could use some when it comes to cleaning them up.
The Utensil Pot Clip (Vat19, $6.99) understands me and as such, has decided to help make my life easier. Instead of putting my cooking utensil of choice on the counter, which leaves a pile of food to be scraped off later as well as picking up whatever crumbs might be left there from my last cooking attempt, I can now slide said utensil into this handy holder. This little guy clips to the side of most pots and will hold your cooking utensil up off the counter and over the pot. No more messes! No cross-germ contamination! The clip features heat resistant rubber feet that won’t scratch your pot and the whole shebang can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit so you won’t even burn your hand when you unclip the contraption. It’s kinda perfect, right?
Note: You still have to do the dishes.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 3″ x 2″
- -Clips onto most pots
- -Food residue drips into pot
- -Heat resistant rubber top and feet
- -Withstands temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
- -Dishwasher safe
Ladies, I know you put a lot of effort into the way you look. Guys, not so much. As a result, the menfolk have a lot of trouble understanding why women need all these gadgets and chemicals just to get ready to go out. I’m gonna level with you: you’re never gonna understand it so don’t even try. All you need to know is that this is the way it is and you should put your energy into finding a way to simplify your lady’s grooming routine because that way you’ll both benefit.
To that end, the Adjustable Hair Dryer Stand (Taylor Gifts, $14.98) will greatly reduce the aggravation your best girl gleans from trussing up her tresses on a daily basis. Fellas, I bet you don’t understand how hard it is to dry a full head of long hair every day (or maybe you do, Axl), but it’s a chore. If you don’t want your strands getting all tangled, you’d better arm yourself with a brush in one hand and a hair dryer in the other. The problem with this is that it can take awhile to dry your hair completely and a hair dryer can get pretty heavy after holding it nonstop for a half hour. The simple solution is this adjustable stand, which holds the hair dryer via a flexible gooseneck stand and secures with a Velcro strap. Now your gal only has to worry about brushing through her hair because the stand provides a third hand to wrangle the hair dryer.
Ladies, you can also use this stand to hold your hair dryer in place to dry your nails after a mani/pedi!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: Adjusts from 27″ to 39″ in height
- -Saves time styling and drying hair
- -Supports hair dryer
- -Flexible gooseneck stand with Velcro strap
- -Made of aluminum and PVC
Sometimes even the best of parties need a little nudge to get things going. It can be hard to mix different groups of friends who don’t know each other so what you really need is a good icebreaker. Something tells me that the usual set of silly games you played in summer camp aren’t going to cut it now. As an adult, you need to be a little more creative, perhaps something like…
…the Dinner Party Napkins (Perpetual Kid, $7.99). Sure, the idea of games on paper napkins might seem a little juvenile, but hear me out. Yes, it is. You didn’t think I was gonna admit that, now did you? It doesn’t matter that it’s a little dumb, what matters is that you and your guests will have a blast filling out lists of your favorite things or taking quizzes to see what your handwriting says about you. The games are quick and easy so there’s not a lot of setup or instructions to each one.
You know, Thanksgiving is next week and you could sure use an effortless activity to enjoy while you digest. I think you just found it.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 6.5″ x 6.5″
- -Set of 16 dinner size napkins
- -Multiple games
