I’ve been trying to turn off the TV lately and instead pick up a book. It certainly helps that it’s summer and there’s barely anything decent to watch, but also there are a lot of really good books out there. For one thing, the Harry Potter movie series has finally wrapped up so I can start reading the books now. I mean, why would I want to start reading in the middle of the films when I could wait it out and start from the beginning? It’s a big commitment though, to know that you’re going to be reading eight books in a row about the same characters. What’s more is that I’m running out of places to store my new hobby – Harry Potter is partially to blame for that.
Anyone who lives in a tiny apartment can appreciate a functional wall piece, which is why the Storyline Bookshelf (Generate Design, $399.00) is so great. Yes, it’s a bookshelf but it’s not relegated to your precious floorspace. What’s more is that the design is modeled after a soundwave of the word “bliss” and each piece is hand made, so it’s pretty much unlike anything else you’ll find in a store. Just attach the steel shelf to the wall via specific screw points and you’re all set. You can choose to mount it vertically or horizontally, depending on your space situation and design aesthetic.
If you’re not a reader, you can still use this bookshelf to display your chotchkies. Just know that everyone will be judging you.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 35.43″ x 7.87″ x 11″
-Word processed into soundwave form
-Bookshelf crafted with explicit folding technique
-Attaches to wall via screw points along back
-Available in dark grey, light grey, blue, or white
-Hand made
-Made of steel
With all this Harry Potter hoopla going on, I’ve got to admit that I’ve thought about how cool it would be to have wizardly abilities. I mean, with the flick of a wrist and a carefully worded phase, I could totally make magic happen. My favorite of all the Harry Potter spells has got to be “Wingardium Leviosa” because while it might not be the most practical of spells, it’s certainly the awesomest. Who wouldn’t want to able to levitate objects on a whim?
Now you can harness the power of levitation without the knowledge of wizardry with the Levitron Revolution (Vat19, $99.95). Before you get too carried away, you should know that you can only levitate objects weighing 12 ounces or less. That being said, how freaking cool! The device uses EZ Float Technology, which basically means that you place your object du jour on the small floating disc and it’ll float. What’s more is that it’ll even compensate for additional weight, as long the total weight doesn’t exceed the 12 ounce maximum. The floating disc itself is magnetized so that once it aligns itself with the four LED lights in the base station, the constant magnetism will allow the disc (and any object placed atop it) to float.
Ron, who cares if you’re not as good at spells as Hermione – now you can levitate objects all on your own!
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4″ x 4″ x 0.75″ (base station); 2″ diameter (floating disc)
-Levitate and slowly rotate collectibles
-EX Float Technology
-Levitates objects weighing up to 12 ounces
-4 LED lights guide alignment
-Base station compensates for weight changes
-Ages 14+
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a picture that masquerades as something else? Exactly how many words is that picture worth?
The Picture Frame Book Ends (Latest Buy, $54.95) say a mouthful because not only are they handy book ends, but they also hold six of your favorite photos. Who needs to hang their photos in boring old picture frames on the wall when you can use them to hold up your paperbacks (or comic books) instead? This set of two book ends is free standing, which means that if you don’t want to use them functionally then you don’t have to. Each bookend holds three pictures of distinct sizing and features a high gloss espresso finish.
You know, you still haven’t gotten Sally and Dave anything for their wedding. Why go the traditional route of linens and china when you could get them something creative and unusual like this? Also, if they try to regift it, you’ll totally know.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 6.4″ x 6.6″ 10.6″
-Photo dimensions: 2.25″ x 2″; 2.25″ x 2.25″; 3.5″ x 5″
-Set of 2 photo bookends
-Each bookend holds 3 photos
-Unique design allows them to sit on ledge
-Free standing
-Espresso finish
I’m known for writing things down. It doesn’t matter what it is, I’m bound to forget it if I don’t transcribe it. While I usually write notes for myself, I’ve been known to leave a message or two for friends and family. Sometimes they’re important (consequences for eating my lunch), but mostly they’re lighthearted in nature.
Whatever your reason for note writing, you’ve got to admit that a note is essentially worthless if its target audience doesn’t see it. The Note Me Pillow (Generate Design, $49.00) is a great way to make sure the recipient gets your message as soon as they wake up. Available in five different colors, the pillow comes with a special marker you can use over and over to write your personal message or doodle. If you want to erase your former work, simply remove the pillow and rinse the casing under cold water. You don’t even need soap! Then you’re ready to write a note for another day.
The best thing about this kind of note? No one’s going to accidentally throw it out, unlike my notes that are usually written on a paper towel and then placed on the kitchen counter.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 13.8″ x 13.8″
-Write note directly on pillow
-Includes pillow and marker
-To erase: remove pillow and rinse with cold water
-No soap needed
-Available in red, yellow, white, orange, and green
-Use and reuse
-Made of polyester
It’s Wednesday, the middle of the week, and for some reason this does nothing to perk me up. Sure, there’s a holiday weekend coming up so I should be pretty stoked, but all I can think of is how much still has to get done between now and then. It’s days like this when it seems like the week might never end.
The only way to get through a week that’s dragging along is to keep yourself going. This can mean throwing yourself into your work or distracting yourself with something completely ridiculous. Guess which one I’m going for? The Creative Outlets Stickers (Perpetual Kid, $3.49) should make it pretty clear that I’m all about silly diversions to make the day go by faster. A really good distraction doesn’t completely take away from the task at hand, instead giving a brief moment of reprieve from whatever is vexing you. These stickers are perfect for that. Come on, what could be more gigglesome than putting funny faces on your outlets? Not a whole lot, that’s for sure. And once you’ve had a good laugh, you can pull it together and get on with your work day.
Note: Multiple outlet adornments and viewings may be required to accelerate time passage.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7″ x 3.75″ (per sheet)
-Funny outlet stickers
-Printed on glossy vinyl
