If you really like something, isn’t more always better? People want to tell you that less is more, but that’s just crazy talk. It’s always good to have a backup!
The One Step DVD/CD Duplicator (SkyMall, $249.95) sees your one and makes it two! With this device, you can copy your favorite DVD or CD without the aid of a computer, making it faster and easier than ever before. Duplication takes just over six minutes to complete, due to super-fast drive speeds and a large internal buffer. You can even use the duplicator to create custom compilation CDs by selecting tracks and making a playlist from multiple CDs.
Before you get your hopes up, this device will not duplicate copyrighted or encrypted material. I know, I know, you were totes gonna make a fortune off your new business venture of pirating Red Box movies!
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7″ x 7″ x 10″
-Duplicates DVD/CD without computer
-24X DVD speed
-48X CD speed
-Internal 64MB buffer
-2MB drive buffer
-Copies in just over 6 minutes
-Create custom playlists from multiple CDs
-Supports all DVD platforms
-AC plug
A long time ago, I realized that I needed to have a calendar is plain sight or I would never be able to keep track of the days. Sure, I also use it to write down appointments or birthdays, but it’s mostly there for a quick reference. I find it a lot easier to zero in on the correct date when I’ve marked off all the days gone by. However, I can’t stand doing this to a normal calendar because then it just looks messy and sad.
Instead of defacing your important calendar, why not get one for the express purpose of fun? The Bubble Wrap Calendar (Generate Design, $29.00) joins practicality with an innocent pastime: popping bubble wrap. Seriously, who didn’t love to pop bubble wrap? Now you can actually have an excuse to pop one bubble every day to mark the passage of time. The calendar lays out all twelve months of the year and their respective days on one sheet. Each bubble includes the date and day of the week as well as any applicable holidays, with weekends bolded for quick reference.
Please try to restrain yourself and not pop all the bubbles at once. I know, it is really hard.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 48″ x 17.5″
-Pop a bubble for every day
-Weekends bolded for quick reference
-Type set in Helvetica Neue
-Keep calendar out of sunlight and heat
-Made of thick paper and plastic
I’m all about trying to help out the environment because even though the world probably won’t end this year, global warming is totes here and with impressive force to boot. Don’t believe me? Why don’t you take a walk outside today and enjoy the 70+ degree weather on the first day of SPRING. To quote a friend, it is “lutes redic” how warm it is.
There are numerous ways to cut down on your consumption (many of which we’ve talked about here), but the biggest one is simply to stop using all things disposable. Just think of my how many trees you use every year because you don’t want to wash a dish! The Light Up Neon Blackboard (Things You Never Knew Existed, $19.98) eliminates at least some of your paper waste by functioning as a reusable dry erase board. Not only can you write messages to your heart’s content without worrying about your environmental footprint, you can make them light up! That’s right, this portable blackboard comes equipped with an illuminating marker that will make your messages visible in both the light and dark. It also promotes maximum portability through the use of an integrated leg stand and battery-powered technology.
I know it’s a bit early, but how awesome would this be for a Halloween party?!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 9″ x 5″ x 0.5″
-Mini portable neon blackboard
-Includes 1 illuminating marker
-Built in leg stand
-Messages visible in light and dark
-Wipes clean
-Uses 3 AA batteries (not included)
I’m one of those people who think clutter is the devil incarnate. It’s something I just can’t get past, no matter how hard I try. It gets underneath my skin and makes me so crazy that I have trouble forming simple sentences because I simply cannot think straight. Clutter is tricky though – a little mess is fine, but it can so easily turn into a giant mound of clutter seemingly right before your eyes. And then it’s too late.
A small table by the door seems like the perfect solution to reduce clutter because you can put down all your important items as soon as you get home and you’ll know exactly where to find them, right? It’s a great plan, but as with all best laid plans it has its drawbacks. The bigger the space, the more clutter that can accumulate. What you really need is something like the Switch Hooks Storage Switch Plate (Vat19, $5.99) because it only has room for the necessities. The switch plate trades places with your standard one and offers three small hooks along the bottom. You can use these hooks for keys, pet leash, or even a light jacket. The whole structure can support up to five pounds, so as long as you don’t go over that you can hang anything you like. Three hooks: no more, no less!
Right now, I can only see half my desk because it’s covered in post-its, mail, and other office items. When it gets three-fourths covered, we’re approaching the danger zone. Completely covered and I have a mental breakdown. Stay tuned.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.75″ x 2.75″ x 0.6″
-Weight capacity: 5 lbs (total of all 3 hooks)
-Light switch place with storage hooks
-Includes mounting screws
-Fits any single standard switch
Why is everyone so obsessed with glowing items? Show me someone out there who doesn’t think glow sticks are cool and I’ll show you a liar. Seriously, if it glows it’s gotta be awesome. Let’s look at the evidence: Lite-Brite? Awesome. Glo-Worm? Awesome. Rudolph’s nose? Super awesome. It doesn’t look like the novelty is wearing off anytime soon.
The Glo Nightlight with Portable Balls (Amazon, $56.21) is a great example of practical glowing technology. On the surface, it looks like a generic nightlight – funky design, but with your basic monster-banishing principles. What sets this light apart is that you can remove each of the balls from the base and they will continue to glow, no batteries required. Ok, so no batteries must mean you have to charge them up before each use, right? Nope, these babies are ready to go at a moment’s notice. Each ball is powered by a low energy LED (won’t be hot to the touch) and will fade to dark after 30 minutes of glow time (no shutoff needed). The balls will light up and change colors, but only when on the base. When removed, the balls simply glow a white-green light.
Whatever happened to Glo-Worm? Somebody needs to investigate that, right quick!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Multi color nightlight
-No charging required
-Fades to dark after 30 minutes
-Color selection lever
-Select one color or color changing
-Low energy LED base
-9 volt power adapter included
-BPA free, Phthalate free, and PVC free
