While the Recording Car Note Pad (Taylor Gifts, $19.98) isn’t really implementing any groundbreaking technology, its simple design has everything a driver needs to take notes on the go. Windshield mounted via suction cup, this notepad has your standard book of notepaper as well as removable pen. I mean, a reminder isn’t very helpful if the only place you can read it is in the car, now is it? The notepad also features a built-in light for when you need to take notes in the dark (driving directions come to mind). But arguably the most important feature is the hands-free recording device. With the touch of a button, you can record important memos, messages, directions, etc. The device allows you to keep your mind on the road while at the same time making it easier than ever to keep track of your honey-do list.

What a fantastic idea, right? So fantastic, in fact, that all those smartphones out there got in on the action. Now you can’t throw a stick without hitting some sort of mobile device that does anything and everything (besides making phone calls, that is). So it’s up to you – spend $200 on some tricked out phone that will become obsolete in a few months or $20 on a little piece of technology that never goes out of style.

3 out of 5 stars.

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For our friends out there with feline companions, there’s the Cat-In-A-Can (Perpetual Kid, $11.99). Everyone else, you’re shit out of luck. This kitty can travel with your wherever you go and is very low maintenance. I mean, you don’t have to feed it, worry about it scratching up the furniture, or even empty its nonexistent litter box. It probably has something to do with the fact that this kitty is inflatable, but I’ll let you decide that one for yourself. So you can give this plastic kitty all the love and attention you would give your faithful felines at home, thus assuaging any possible guilt for temporarily abandoning them while you have the time of your life on vacation.

Ok, so now that you’ve solved your animal problem, the only issue left here is do your friends and family know that you’re a crazy cat connoisseur? Because that’s gonna be pretty tough for deny once your show up in Vegas with an inflatable pussycat.

3 out of 5 stars.

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Luckily, the Shuellas (Latest Buy, $49.95) can help all you ladies out there prepare for any such occasion. Designed to wear over shoes or high heels, these boot-shaped items are basically umbrellas for your feet. They easily fold up into an included carrying pouch to fit in your purse until you need them, then all you have to do is slide them on over your current footwear, affix the Velcro straps, and you’re good to go. With slip free soles on the bottom, you won’t have to worry about slipping and sliding in icy conditions. Also, these bad boys feature reinforced PVC soles on the inside to prevent wear, which is especially important for all your high heel wearers out there. Made of 100% waterproof material, you can just throw these on over your professional footwear when you’re hoofing it to the office and take them off once inside, with no damage to your expensive shoes. There’s even a towel included so you can wipe down the shoe protectors after use.

I know, they look a little hokey and the price may seem a bit steep, but I’m actually fully behind this product. I mean, how much does it suck to walk around in wet weather when you’re unprepared? You’re pretty much guaranteeing that you’re going to suffer through the way with wet socks – that’s not a pretty picture.

4 out of 5 stars.

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Whatever the reason, rainy days need something to perk them up, hence the Colour Changing Umbrella (Generate Design, $49.00). Basically your average everyday umbrella, albeit with a few raincloud designs, this telescopic umbrella doesn’t seem like anything special. I mean, it sure doesn’t seem like anything that’s going to cheer you up when the skies get gray. But in actuality, those rainclouds are on the right track to brightening your day. See, when those rainclouds are printed with special ink that changes from white to bright colors. What causes this fantastical change? Water, silly! You essentially need it to rain for the special ink to yield color. That’s one point for the rain clouds.

There is one exception to my hatred of rain and that’s when it happens with sunny skies. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it’s scorching hot outside and you’re wishing it would rain, and then it actually does? It’s pretty awesome.

4 out of 5 stars.

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As your partner in crime, the Disposable Plastic Flasks (KegWorks, $8.95) have totally got your back when it comes to the whole sneaking in an outside drink thing. Granted, these flasks are probably more for the alcoholic beverage variety than a cup of Juicy Juice, but the principal purpose remains the same: you won’t have to pay an outrageous for a drink. These come in a set of four with two plastic funnels to help you easily fill the flasks with your beverage of choice. And just because they’re marketed as disposable doesn’t mean that they won’t last – each flask is designed to withstand several uses before disposal. The flask fits comfortably in your back pants pocket or inside your jacket, so you probably won’t even notice it’s there (hopefully security won’t either). The great thing about these flasks being disposable is that if the fuzz should catch onto your stunt and make your toss it, you’re not out that flask you got for being the best man at your buddy’s wedding. And hey, you’ve even got three more, so it’s really a non-issue.

If I were you though, I wouldn’t be wasting these babies on anything other than hard liquor. I think they would be perfect for sporting events, especially those where they don’t pat you down that thoroughly. Then all you have to do is buy a mixer while you’re there, or you could just go all hardcore and enjoy your booze the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

4 out of 5 stars.

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