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Actually, it’s just the little pomegranate-colored thing plugged into the dock connector. And that combined with the free app turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a sleek little universal remote. The system is completely customizable to feature as many or as few buttons as you’d like (up to 100,000) and has the brain power to replace up to 1,000 individual remotes: TV, cable, DVR, etc.

You probably recognize this text from all the plastic bags you’ve seen it on, right? Well, now you can thank yourself for shopping each and every time you use this reusable tote. For anyone that is die-hard enough to care, the design is copied exactly as the original (the last “s” is upside down).

Made in the USA of natural organic Grade A canvas
16.5″ x 16.”

Okay, now that this thing is actually available for sale, I’m curious as to how well it works. Anyone know? It sounds almost too good to be true. It’s made from BPA-free recycled plastic (so it’s also recyclable) and has a carbon-based filter which lasts about the equivalent of 300 water bottles. There’s six different filter colors to choose from too.

Designer: Karim Rashid

Bottle comes with a single filter. Filter lasts for 50 gallons/300 bottles.
(Replacement filters are $7.00)

Ordinary cable-ties do the job just fine, but with these you have a hint of nature wherever you want.

Price shown is for 1 packet of 12 ties.
Designed by Lufdesign.

Lovely simple watch from Uniform Wares with a 4 year battery life and precision Japanese quartz movement.

Available in 4 different colours.

We’ve posted laptop sleeve envelope lookalikes before (see Undercover and Interoffice sleeves) but this leather version takes it up a notch. It certainly has a finer look to it than the previous noted sleeves, and will be a nod to the manila envelope without being mistaken for one. Call me crazy, but I almost prefer the other ones simply because they are more ‘undercover’ and affordable.

Small will fit the MacBook 13″ or MacBook Air, while Large fits the MacBook Pro 15″.
Designer: Shuk Yee

This keychain fits four tools in one: Phillips Screwdriver #2, Flathead Screwdriver #2, 1/4 Hex. Nut Driver, and a Bottle Pop-Top Opener. Handy, right?

MoMA Store’s new Destination Portugal collection has a quite a few gems, one of which is this tote made from recycled Portuguese milk cartons. (The silver finish comes from the milk containers’ interiors, just in case you were wondering.)

17h x 22″l

If you’re wondering how this Paperwallet is different from the Mighty Wallet, you’re not alone. It’s made from Tyvek and is recyclable, same as the Mighty, but fits just a tad more credit cards as it’s got has just a few extra pockets. Also, if you’re the solid-color type, there’s some saturated hues that you’ll like. (Mighty Wallet has solids, but they’re a little more on the pastel side.)

2 credit card slots, 2 contact card flaps ,2 easy access pockets & 1 cash compartment. Fits 12+ Credit Cards.
8 x 20 cm (open)

**Also, Paperwallet is offering 10% off any wallet for BLTD readers. Just enter “betterliving” in the coupon code box.

The Nimbo Slap-on watch is a new, thickset silicon watch band which just slaps on the wrist with no fuss of buckles or snaps. It’s available in a seven bright colors (including black and white) and comes in both analog and digital versions. Because of it’s generous size, it looks best on a bare wrist so it’s doesn’t compete with sleeves or other jewelry. It definitely has a very casual feel to it, but I could definitely see it being a wardrobe staple for designer/architect types.

Mine is black digital, and I love how it has a great visual impact to it. Thanks to UMA for sending us one to check out in person.

Check out these colorful felt sleeves that folds around your laptop to keep it protected. When unfolded, the felt acts as a workspace with integrated mousepad. (If you have a sewing machine, chances are you could make something similar maybe?)

Felt colors available: Orange, Grey, Lime, Black and Pink.
Also available in Black or Brown leather (€189.00).

That’s right, a glass water bottle that is reusable, recyclable, transportable and dishwasher safe. But what about the glass, hmm? Afraid it’ll break? As long as you keep it from “radical falls” it should be perfectly fine. (On the Tkaro website there’s also an engraved option if you want it customized; price is just slightly higher at $37.95.)

Equivalent to 2 cups or 500mL.
Do not place in freezer or microwave. Not suitable for hot beverages.

Add another reusable tote to your must-have list: this lightweight bag is made from a single sheet of #2 plastic and, just like the Ty Shower Curtain, you can write/draw on it as you wish. So, make notes, keep a travel log, or just keep it plain white (as I plan to do, at least at first). It’s machine washable and can be recycled when it has worn out.

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Even if you’re not a gunslinger, you get the gist of a holster. Keeps your weapon close, secured, and ready to use at a moment’s notice. Now, apply that idea for
a bicycle U-Lock, and you’ve got a smart accessory for a cyclist. This holster loops easily onto your belt and is available in natural or black.

Fits a 4.5� bicycle U-Lock.

4.75� W x 2.75� H x 1� D
Made in Brooklyn.

If you ever wished you could wear your favorite book, your wish has come true. Jeremy May makes jewelry from books, and yes, the results are a literary success. By laminating sheets together and sculpting to achieve the desired shape, he’s created one-of-a-kind pieces that show hints of the texts and images held within. The final piece is cleverly returned to the cavity in the book for presentation or safekeeping. There’s really quite a variety of shapes and sizes, and his site is very worth perusing should you be in the market for appreciation or purchase.

Prices range from 185 to 1050, as each piece is handmade and unique.

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