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If you prefer a little lemon or lime in your water, then you need to sit up and pay attention. The Citrus Zinger has a citrus press built into its bottom side, making it easy to extract juice from fruits and infuse them directly into your water bottle. No extra implements- just the bottle- for your preferred level of lemony (or limey?) water.
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It’s about time that a modern version of the porch swing comes along, especially as winter is winding up and spring is on its way. This swing has a no-nonsense steel frame with cypress wood seats and two moveable backrests that allow multiple seating options (see SwingLab’s gallery for more pics). Pretty tempting if you’ve a porch that needs a novel seating solution, or, if you’re a bit more daring, hang it indoors for a different take on the chaise longue.
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These handy coat hooks have pins at the top to hold mail, photos, or notes. As a bonus, each hook also has super strong magnets so you can attach them to any metal surface (the fridge perhaps?) for catching miscellany.
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Instead of fumbling around for that one right measuring spoon, simplify things with this 4-in-1 spoon by Jordan Murphy. It efficiently combines all “spoon keys” in one unified body, making it a space-saving tool that’s quick and easy to clean. Available in smoke, avocado, and red.
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Poufs with trays! That’s just what we never knew we needed. Without the tray, it serves as an excellent spot for resting your feet and/or extra seating, and with the tray, it’s a functional side table or an impromptu in-front-of-the-tv dining surface. Keep in mind that the trays are sold separately and can be used anywhere as well- so don’t be afraid to pull it into the dining room if you need a big tray to shuttle things back and forth from the kitchen. Available in High or Wide.
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Use fruit for your keyboard! Tech-smart or not, there’s fun to be had with this simple circuit board kit. Turn almost anything into touchpads/keyboard/controller by attaching the included alligator clips, then connect to circuit board and computer. Think of it as an invention kit- might be a good way to familiarize yourself or others with electronics. See the video to see how it all works- and what possibilities await you.
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Yes, these frames are a little more expensive that what you may be used to, but they’re made of cotton rope (probably by hand). Traditionally used as piping in furniture, the cotton rope is used in a traditional style to playfully mix historical periods. Frame whatever you choose- a picture, a mirror, or leave it empty as a piece of art on its own.
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Um, isn’t there some event in your near future where you might need to send a nice, thoughtful gift? Mother’s day? Someone’s birthday? Instead of sending something they may or may not like, give them something they’ll cherish- and they should, as you’ll need to spend a few hours embroidering the message. A piece of cotton ‘paper’ and embroidery thread from this Correspondence Kit by Lauren DiCioccio will be your mode of communication to express your heartfelt sentiments, or maybe just the weather. Either way, it will be a surprise and (let’s hope) a keepsake. Pre-stamped envelope and supplies included. And, if you’d like a more budget-friendly version, here’s a poetry paper kit for $16 that just has the basics (lined cotton fabric, thread, needle).
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If you’re going to add a little nautical flair to your surroundings, please, please, please make it one of these rope mats by Sophie Aschauer. Reclaimed sailing ropes are woven with four different knots- referred to as “Bonny”, “Drake”, “Morgan” and “Killigrew” (pirates from the 17th century, by the way)- into doormats or smaller sized area rugs. Remember that the rope is reclaimed, so they’ll show a little bit of wear, but that’s a small price to pay for such color and texture.

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Like these graphic, silk screened cork boards? You could easily point-and-click purchase them and no one will think less of you because, hey, you’re busy, and it’s nice to have a little pattern on the wall. Or, you could go to your local craft or office supply store and buy some regular cork board tiles (like these on Amazon), mask each corner half off with painter’s tape and paper, and then spray or brush on black paint to create the same sort of look. Remove taper/paper and ta-da! You have your patterned cork board. It’ll take a little more time, but it’ll save you a little cash.
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Do you recall the Bluelounge Backpack we featured a while ago? This messenger bag is similar in its simple exterior style and multi-pocketed interior, yet suits the over-the-shoulder mode of carrying around your goods. A quick release buckle makes the on/off process easy and (of course) it’s also got an ergonomic fit that’s pretty important if your commute is longer than, say, 5 minutes. Just like the backpack, the fabric is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
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This chair by John Reeves is remarkable. A stool becomes a chair and vice versa, simply by lifting or lowering the seat back. Several chairs can be stacked as stools, which takes up a very small footprint indeed. Perhaps this same idea has been employed before, but I’d reckon it would be hard to find a sample with the same degree of thoughtful design and simplicity. (Update: price is $495 now, compared to $395 in 2010.)

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Scrabble pillows. It was only a matter of time, really, before these hit the radar. And, if you want to shop around, it looks like Etsy has quite a few sellers offering their own versions in different sizes and such. These pillows (available from Spoon Sisters) are printed on organic cotton and measure 15.75″ square.
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Have a nice first-weekend-of-March. The nice weather is just around the corner, I promise.

Home security systems aren’t all that exciting- long term contracts usually dissuade renters and homeowners alike- but this one offers something new. You install it yourself. There’s no wires or technicians required, and you can take it with you if or when you move. There’s also no required monthly fees. Sounds pretty good, right? There’s a base station, which works over WIFI and allows you to use the security system on your smartphone or computer, an arm/disarm panel to place on main doors, open/close sensors on any door or window you want monitored, and a motion sensor to cover other areas where open/close sensors might not work (glass breakage, for example). You pick and choose which ones you want, and how many. Read more about the software at Scout.
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