So, the other day I got this catalog in the mail that I had never heard of. It was called “Solutions: Products That Make Life Easier!” and it truly does have a lot of neat-o stuff that would help most people organize, clean, etc. around their house/garden, etc. Check ‘em out here: http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE

(Enter Coupon Code 13069 for 15% off! in the shopping bag)

I figured this “Solutions” deal was another of those “As Seen On TV” type catalogs, but no (though it did have a few items that have appeared on the telly, but they seem of slightly higher quality than most) it was mostly just cool products that I wanted. Ha-ha! But seriously folks, from rugs and shelf organizers to gadgets and travel helping thingies, this catalog had a lot to offer. I even went through it twice and kept it! (Mega-rare for me, it’s usually straight to the recycling bin!) They even have products for the office and for your pets! Sweet!

Now I tend to get a lot of random catalogs, but I (and you!) can manage which you receive or would like to no longer receive here: https://www.catalogchoice.org/login A fabulous site that allows you to decide what hits your mailbox! SWEET! I will say that if you choose to no longer receive a specific catalog, you’ll still get the next one, but it should stop after that. Also, if you order something from that company, you’re very likely to start getting their catalogs again. Just an FYI.

I wanted to share with you some of the fabulous products they had that I would personally love to get. But first I would like to show you a product I had thought I invented and was working on a couple of prototypes. Even the description for the item seemed to come straight from my brain, but honestly? I’m just super glad that this quality product is out there to help people like me: http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15510&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C494%2C10020&iProductID=15510

Keep your car neat and organized! Hang your purse, shopping bags and jackets from this mini headrest hanger—they stay off the floor, won’t tip over, and won’t get scuffed or dirty in transit.

And this is super handy, I am going to have to buy a set of these: http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15106&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C494%2C10020&iProductID=15106 This way you can just unscrew the valve cap, fill your tires and screw ‘em back on…no worrying about losing them! Remember, properly inflated tires give better gas mileage and more even wear on your tires!

An everlasting nail file? Yep! This round, ceramic nail file claims to never really need replacing. Sounds fab! And no worries about taking it on a place (no sharp point): http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=12921&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C489%2C10014&iProductID=12921

Okay, this one made me laugh, but only because of the picture. I mean, would you really keep a pocket with your “valuables” under your gauzy thin shawl? Ha-ha! But it is a cool idea. I would use it for concerts & clubs, but perhaps the senior centers aren’t as safe as they used to be! http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15603&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C14%2C10005&iProductID=15603

I must admit, these look too good to pass up and I am considering purchasing them right now! Perfect for walking the dog or running to the mailbox or grocery store. These fleece slippers have a durable outsoles so your feet stay comfy and warm even if you’re not lounging around the house! http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=10927&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C14%2C10005&iProductID=10927

And possibly my fave item on their website, the Peephole viewer! It allows you to see who’s on the other side of your door without letting on that you’re home at all! http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15421&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C26%2C10018&iProductID=15421 So cool! And I just got my first peephole in our new apartment! It’s a little pricey ($129), but if I could afford it I would totally buy this!

So, what do you think my darling-dears? Do you have a fave gadget? I’d love to hear about it!

First on this one instead of a nightstand: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2010/02/toothbrush-cup-nightstand.html

Then I saw this incredibly amazing bench-hack: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/12/bench-bag-and-snudda.html
Holy shit! It’s almost a breakfast nook…or anything! And it’s cheap! It’s all made using $7.99 Lack side tables: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40104270  and $13 Adel drawer fronts:http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90078674
Gorgeous!!!

Have you hacked something from Ikea or just have a fave from the blog? Tell me about it!!!

The new Russell Brand film “Get Him To The Greek” trailer:

Tom Cruise to reprise role in upcoming Mission Impossible 4

http://insidemovies.moviefone.com/2010/02/09/tom-cruise-to-star-in-mission-impossible-4/?icid=main|main|dl9|link4|http%3A%2F%2Finsidemovies.moviefone.com%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Ftom-cruise-to-star-in-mission-impossible-4%2F

Kate Winslet to star in HBO’s “Mildred Pierce”: ‘Mildred Pierce’ tells the story of a woman who attempts to make a better life for herself and her daughters by leaving the comfort of a failed marriage and becoming a career woman instead, an effort that brings her professional success but personal tragedy.

http://insidetv.aol.com/2010/02/12/kate-winslet-mildred-pierce-hbo/?icid=main|main|dl9|link5|http%3A%2F%2Finsidetv.aol.com%2F2010%2F02%2F12%2Fkate-winslet-mildred-pierce-hbo%2F

Check out: http://www.spinner.com/ for a Free MP3 everyday, exclusive performances, videos and more!

And check the exclusive preview of The White Stripes”Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” in anticipation of the DVD release of  “Under Nova Scotia Lights”

http://www.spinner.com/2010/02/12/white-stripes-dead-leaves-and-the-dirty-ground-live-vide/

Also check out the “Relevant Posts” on the TWS Spinner page for more interesting articles regarding TWS!
This is the coolest piece of jewelry for guys I’ve ever seen:

What buzz are you looking for? Let  me know!

Okay, so I didn’t just find this vid, I snagged it from an LJ friend, but it’s mega-rad!

Jeep + sound = Music!

Last year my dear friend J dubbed 2009 the year of firsts. Boy, he couldn’t have hit the nail on the head harder! Whew! What a friggin’ year?! This time last year I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life. I maybe had the first sign of an idea about possibly maybe opening a café…little did I know! Ha! Bit it truly was an exciting year.

This year my dear friend P has dubbed 2010 the year of paying it forward. As in doing random acts of kindness and when one is done for you, you must pay it forward threefold (yes, just like the movie). I would also like to continue the theme of firsts because I feel like there are just too many things in the world I’ve yet to experience or do and so I’ll stick to that as well. But I’m all about paying it forward, too!

I am quite fond of this new trend J started last year of giving it a theme. No resolutions needed, wanted or required. And last year at this time believe me when I say that my prospects were slim. Now look at me! Okay, I’m not rolling in dolla-bills or roses, but I’m on my way to independence, baby and there is nothing sweeter than that!

With last year’s theme I was able to completely change how I make decisions. I used to of course weigh the pros and cons of any endeavor or purchase. Constantly doing some sort of research on something because I had the time (I was unemployed) was comfortable making “informed” decisions. Now? Well, now I fly by the seat of my pants every day and give little thought to all of the possible ways it could fail. Where has it gotten me? I started my own business, signed a killer lease and found a community in a town I knew nothing about. I’ve made friends and done things I never would have done before.  Last year I was full of anxieties and fears, but this year I am full of excitement and overall joy.

I’m not saying this is just the end all be all thing to do, but it has worked out just swell for me.