You know when you move into a new apartment and the whole place just looks so bare and uninviting? Don’t you just hate that? And the thing that sucks about living in an apartment is that you can’t really paint the walls (unless you want to paint them back to white again before you move out). So your best (and most cost effective) bet for sprucing up the joint is to throw up some wall art. A good picture or two on each wall and your place can go from sketchy studio apartment to cozy flat in no time. But not only do you have to be really careful with what you put on the walls so you don’t irreparably damage them, you’ll also have the delightful task of trying to find picture frames that aren’t ridiculously expensive. Good luck with that.
I’m not gonna say that the best part about the Snap Wall Photo Frames (Wrapables, $18.95) is that they’re pretty cheap, but it certainly falls into the plus column. This photo frame set comes with nine molded white plastic frames, shaped just like vintage Polaroid photographs. The bottom section of the frame is a white dry erase surface so you can change your picture captions as often as you change your photos. Each photo frame mounts to the wall with a simple tack, so you won’t have to worry about putting giant holes in your rented wall space. The only downside is that the set doesn’t include a dry erase marker. Not a huge deal as they’re fairly inexpensive, but it’s like really, you couldn’t just throw one in there? What’s up with that?
I am a big fan of fun artwork. The best part about these frames is that they’re totally unexpected and pretty much unlike anything anyone else has at their apartment. Because let’s be honest, decorating your home is really all about competing with your friends to see whose place is the most awesome. This is one giant leap into Awesometown.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″
-Set of 9
-Dry erase surface (pen not included)
-Mounting hardware included
-Molded white plastic frames
-Made of polyresin
With the economy the way it is (re: terrible) and jobs of the here today and gone tomorrow variety, it’s becoming more important than ever to have a bountiful savings fund. The only problem with that is it’s no fun. I mean, who wants to save money? No one. I’m usually pretty good about putting money away for a rainy day, but then I tend to disproportionately spend vast sums of cash on a whim. It’s like I feel I’m owed a lavish purchase after saving my pennies for a week, essentially eradicating any prior savings. So yeah, it’s not really the best system.
The Spend Save Bank (Taylor Gifts, $19.98) can help people like you and me save a little bit of cash without going insane. I’ve learned that the most important facet of saving money is to do it in moderation. Think of it like dieting – are you going to be more likely to stick to your diet if you’re not allowed to eat anything tasty? No, you’re going to restrict yourself until you binge eat everything in the house. It’s the same with saving money – if you save every extra penny every month, one day you’re going to max out all your credit cards because you just can’t take it anymore. So instead, why not put your money in a piggy bank that lets you spend and save? The important thing here is that the bank decides how much you get to spend or save through the use of a pivoting tray inside the bank. The tray randomly selects the “spend” or “save” section inside the bank, so it’s pretty much the luck of the draw. Either way, you get some money for now and some to put away for later.
Sure, you could cheat and take some money out the “save” section or rig it so that all your change falls into the “spend” section, but then what would be the point of even using the bank? I think you need the help of a professional if you’re trying to fool a plastic bank into letting you spend some money. I’m just saying.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3 1/2″ x 6″ x 7 3/4″
-Pivoting tray randomly selects “spend” or “save”
-Made of plastic
Are you a victim of key scarcity? Do your keys just seem to grow legs and walk away, because that’s the only explanation for them not being exactly where you left them? What I’m trying to say is, I have a hard time keeping track of things, my keys in particular. Without fail, my keys are never where they were when I put them down five minutes ago. I’ve tried putting a whistling key finder on them, but it just never seems to work – largely due to the fact that I can’t whistle. So I got a key bowl. That didn’t work either because I just ended up misplacing the bowl as well. Do you know how many times I’ve had to get the locks changed on my place because I’ve lost the keys somewhere inside my apartment? Dave, the locksmith who has been married for 12 years with two children and has always dreamed of being a painter, assures me that it’s a very common occurrence.
The His and Hers Keyholders (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $18.00) are a perfect gift for someone like me who is unable to keep track of even the simplest of things, like a keychain. Available in both “His” and “Hers” designs, you can purchase them separately (same sex relationship friendly) or in a set (heteros only). The wall plate of your choice comes with a special key that you put on your keychain, which fit perfectly into the wall plate. Thus, all you have to do when you walk in the door is stick your key into the wall plate. Then you’ll always know exactly where your keys are, provided you can manage that first step. It is a tricky one.
This item lost one star based solely on pricing. I have no problem with the artsy price tag of $18, but I do have an issue with their bulk pricing. You can buy these babies as a set, and if you’re of the hetero couple persuasion, why not? I’ll tell you why not, because the set is $39.95. In case you’re a little rusty with math these days, 2 x $18 = $36, not $39.95 – tricky, tricky right there.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3 1/8″ x 4 1/4″
-Available individually or as a set
-His or Hers design
-Comes with special key to fit into keyholder
-No hook protruding from the wall
-Keys can’t be bumped to the floor
-Mirror stainless front face
If you’re like me, it seems like you never have enough space. I recently moved into a slightly smaller house, and at first, it seemed like everything was fine. I mean, the house I lived in before was too big for just me, so moving into a smaller one seemed like a logical step. You know what the problem with that logic is? It doesn’t work. You get too used to a larger space, so you accumulate more crap, and then pretty soon you need to live in a three bedroom house because you have so much stuff. Guest room? Forget it, that’s where you keep all your LEGOs and Star Wars action figures. You also need at least two bathrooms because you bought all that soap and toilet paper on sale at Costco and now have nowhere to store it. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the cramped quarters of a smaller kitchen!
If you spend even a decent amount of time in the kitchen, you tend to acquire your fair share of gadgets. Sure, you hardly ever use your mini chopper or George Foreman, but it’s comforting to know they’re there. The only problem is that, no matter how big or small a kitchen is, it seems that the cabinet space is always at best described as limited. The Origami Colander (ThinkGeek, $19.99) understands your need for storage space, which is why it lays flat in your cupboard. I know, you’re wondering how a flat colander can help you wash your veggies or drain your spaghetti dinner, but the answer is simple: it’s not flat. Sorry if I just blew your mind, but the reality is that this colander has the ability to go from upright to flat faster than you can say, “Why’s it called a colander anyways?” or some other interesting short phrase. Using a not-so-complicated system of hinges and locking latches, you can take this flat colander out of the drawer and pop it together in no time. Oh, and my personal favorite of any kitchen tool? It’s dishwasher friendly.
I know, it’s not the technological breakthrough of the century, but it’s still pretty cool. I mean, it’s not like you came up with it, which has to be pretty upsetting. If only you had, you could be sitting pretty in a home much bigger than your needs, with a room just for your action figures. Too bad, so sad.
5 out of 5 flat stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 42cm x 32.5cm x 1cm (flat)
27cm x 22cm x 14cm (folded)
-Available in black, green, white (only $17.99), and red
-Folds flat
-12 hinges and 4 locking latches keep it together
-Easy to store
-Dishwasher safe
-Made of polypropylene
Ok, so let’s face it, we’ve pretty much come to the point where if you were going to buy a gift for someone, it’s not gonna be online. Sure, there’s that small window of opportunity with 2-day shipping, but that’s pretty expensive and a lot times, it’s not even going to guarantee that your gifts will arrive in time for Christmas. So I thought today would be the perfect time to talk about a spectacular gift, one perfect for all occasions, yet just slightly unattainable.
The item in question happens to be the totally boss La-Z-Boy Cool Chair (Drinkstuff, £1299.99). I know you know this chair. And even if by some slim chance you have no knowledge of said chair, there’s no way that you’re not completely awestruck right now. I mean, you’ve got a La-Z-Boy recliner, for starters. Right away, you know you’re gonna be super comfortable lounging around in this chair all day. But the first upgrade is the built-in lumbar heating system. Who doesn’t like a nice heated chair during these winter months or after a long day at the office? Another noteworthy feature is the six motor massage system that is built into the chair. Again, who doesn’t want a personal massage controlled by a conveniently located handset after a hard day? Oh, but I saved the best part for last. The pièce de résistance, if you will, is the built-in mini fridge. That’s right, I said built-in, as in part of the chair, as in don’t ever have to get up to get a beer ever again. The fridge is located in one of the armrests and holds up to six cans of your favorite beverage. The fridge lid also comes equipped with a cup holder, because who could be expected to lift a finger when sitting in this heavenly cloud?
Ok, so what’s the downside when it comes to this beautiful chair? It’s only available for delivery in Northern Ireland. Yup, looks like us Yanks are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to gluttonous lush comforts. I mean, don’t we have the market cornered on laziness and obesity? You would think this chair would be marketed exclusively to Americans.
5 out of 5 Joey Tribbiani stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 1150mm x 1040mm x 850mm
-Fridge dimensions: 360mm x 145mm x 230mm
-Built in fridge holds up to 6 beverage cans
-Cup holder situated on lid
-6 motor massage system
-Built in lumbar heating system
-Hand crafted
-Only available for delivery in Northern Ireland
