USB Hub and Clock

Here's a good gift for dad this holiday season — a 4-Port USB Hub and Alarm Clock! I can't say I've really ever had the desire to have an alarm clock, calendar, and temperature gauge attached to my laptop, but it's kinda one of those gadgets you can see a guy in your life getting all excited about. Discussed on OhGizmo!, the clock is USB powered and includes a large LCD screen with both Fahrenheit or Celsius temperatures. The USB Hub can rotate 180 degrees and is both PC and Mac compatible. Priced at $20.

Scented Candles for the Long-Distance Girlfriend

If you really love your long distance gal pals, this holiday you should give them something they probably won't be buying themselves: scented candles. Scented candles will be the last thing on your girlfriends' minds or shopping lists during the holiday rush, but they're just that spoonful of sugar they'll need to unwind from the holiday hustle. That is, unless your friend is yours truly, who just bought herself this intoxicating and ultra-relaxing candle. Yes, I basically just proved myself wrong . . . but regardless, I've rounded up a handful of scented candles at various price points that you truly can't go wrong with. To see (or smell) my picks, click the images below.

You Don't Need Permission To . . .

. . . still have dishes in the sink from the weekend.


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What Was Your Favorite New Apple Product of 2007?

For the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be asking you what your faves were for 2007, then I'll recap your answers with my picks at the end of the month!

I think it's safe to say that if there were an Oscar for gadgets, Apple would hands-down win the award for best products of 2007. The iPhone in itself is enough to warrant an award, and with the addition of the Apple TV, the new MacBook Pro, the widescreen Nano, and the iPod Touch, Apple blew all other inventions out of the park this year. What was your favorite new Apple gadget this year?

You Don't Need Permission To . . .

. . . be the only house on the block without a Christmas tree already.


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The Bro Who Loves Cheese

I hold a dear place in my heart for the foodie who loves cheese. My older brother is one of those fromage fools who instantly knows his Parmesan from his pecorino. To help him become the master of mold, I plan on getting one of the following gifts. These chalk boards are perfect for displaying different kinds of cheeses! They add height to a tablescape and the dark slate accents the creamy colors of cheese. For more — from a cheese saw to a six-month cheese club subscription

Paris' Swede Reunion

After a very public lunch out with Nicky and Nicole, Paris Hilton picked up her boy toy Alex Vaggo for a movie at The Grove last night. I figured she had surely gotten rid of her Swedish import because we haven't seen him by her side since late September whlie she's been traipsing around the world. But her plucked from obscurity "male model" has more staying power than I thought. It looks like he got a new haircut and chiseled out those cheekbones, too. Well played, Mr. Vaggo.

What Should I Wear?

We all work for different companies who all have different dress codes so what do you wear to work everyday? Casual or smartly dressed? I can never decide what to wear. I work at a travel agency and we don't wear uniforms so sometimes I just wear a nice shirt and belt to do it up a bit so I don't look too "casual" but at times I feel I am not fancy enough. What can I do just to add that little extra umph?

Clothes can be so expensive and I don't earn the biggest salary. I have a unique fashion sense but it seems like I never have anything to wear, especially for work. Going out to party is never a problem but getting dressed for work seems like an huge unnecessary ordeal. Any advice would he extremely helpful.

Nicole Can't Wait to Show Off Her Golden Compass

Nicole Kidman was spotted leaving her London hotel yesterday. She's overseas to promote The Golden Compass, but took time out of her schedule to do good. Today she backed a petition from the UN Women's council as part of a campaign to stop violence against women. Back on the promotional trail, she talked about letting Connor and Isabella see her latest movie. She said, “They see my movies. Not all of them, but they know they’ll be able to see this movie. They loved ‘Happy Feet’ last year and this is their movie this year.” Considering the hype around The Golden Compass, we have a feeling more than just her kids will be clamoring to see this one.

Dinner. Casino. Nightclub

Eating the most delicious hamburgers, served from a shack that looked more like a shipping container, by the roadside, surrounded by limo drivers on their breaks, the hardcore members of the Corvette club and the colourful presence of the railway police.
One word : Random.

Strolling through the luxuriously plush carpets, the flashing lights of computer games, the echoing rain of clicking chips and the droning murmur of money being lost. Ugly people with ugly stories.
One word : Tragic.

Dancing to my old school R&B classics, surrounded by a sea of scantily-clad teenagers, drinking overly sweet mixers, gawking at a small crowd of immaculately dressed Thai cabin crew, and then chatting on the lounges until the babysitting expires.
One word : Amusing.

What Are You Thankful For?

We all know that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, so ladies, do tell: What are you thankful for this year?

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl went the menswear route while out to lunch with her mom in LA. Thankfully, she maintained a bit of femininity via her Oscar de la Renta ruffled cashmere cardigan, Chanel bag, and patent pumps. In this ensemble, she could easily walk from lunch into a meeting and still look appropriate. Don't you wish all outfits had such versatility?

Paris Has A Shanghai Turkey Day

Paris Hilton had a quick week in the states where she managed to party, pole dance, and host a baby shower, but she's already back overseas. The heiress landed in Shanghai and is gearing up for the 2007 MTV Style Gala on Friday, where she will make her Chinese television debut. Hopefully she'll find something a little more chic to wear than those teal sweats and clashing hoodie. We guess this all means there won't be a seat at the Hilton family Thanksgiving table for Paris this year, but we're sure she'll still find some way to celebrate.

Would You Text Your Pizza Order?

Popular pizza chain Papa John's has launched a text message ordering option at 2,700 US restaurants that allows customers to text their orders in to a local franchise. The company has been using an online ordering service since 2001 and claims web orders account for nearly 20 percent of its US sales.

Domino's Pizza has also started a system that allows hungry customers to place orders from web-enabled cell phones and PDAs. According to AP, the ordering system is available at about 3,000 Domino's locations and will spread to all of the chain's 5,100 restaurants next year.

I happen to be a pizza fanatic so I love the idea of having more than one way to order a hot slice, but I think I would worry if my order had gone through or not if it took a while to arrive.

Gift Guide: Tool Sets for the Hotshot Bartender

Maybe I'm just channeling pre-rehab Lindsay Lohan, but I really can't get through the holidays without a stiff drink. The stress of last-minute shopping, the anxious anticipation of seeing relatives again, the cocktail party small-talk, the reindeer jumpers, and the "how is your love life?" parental interrogations have me reaching for the bottle until January 1st. If it weren't for the hotshot bartenders in my life, I'd consider skipping the holidays altogether. You know the hotshot bartender. He (or she) is the first to uncork a bottle of wine, the first to mix the festive "peppermint" cocktails, and the last to serve himself a drink. This year, treat the holiday savior, and master mixologist in your life to the tools of the trade: a bar set. I've rounded up several bar tool sets at various price points for the guy (or gal) who makes your holidays fun. That is, for those of us who don't still believe in Santa Claus.

You Don't Need Permission To . . .

. . . buy a dessert and claim it's homemade.

Lohan Brings Riley to See Her New York and Her Family

Lindsay Lohan reintroduced herself to New York for the first time since May (which was two rehabs ago, if you're counting). She had her seasonal scarf, hot leather jacket and striped Balenciaga in tow. Also by her side was Riley, her mom Dina and her younger siblings Cody and Michael for dinner at Cipriani and to generally let LL be the star. Speaking of which, I feel like this is a good sign that just like most of you thought Linds will make that cameo on Dina's reality show after all. Also, Dina and LL are looking frighteningly similar these days, right? Hey, well, no matter, hope they all have an excellent and drama free Thanksgiving.

Cate Blanchett Is Pregnant!

Looks like there is at least one celebrity these days who doesn't mind admitting the obvious. We suspected Cate Blanchett was carrying her third child and you all seemed to agree the rumors were to be believed. In Sydney at the premiere of her latest film Elizabeth: The Golden Age Cate was asked if she was expecting and she said, "Yes, I am. It's early days yet. It's due in April." She referred to her expected newborn as "it" in response to not knowing the sex since the press was already starting rumors that she was having a boy. Congrats to the beautiful actress and her growing family.

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The Feminine PC Case From In Win

If you want to add a touch of class and elegance to your computer, In Win has just come out with the beautiful, ergonomically designed Allure PC case. This special edition case is covered with pearly paint to create a lustrous shine and is inlaid with glowing pink Swarovski crystals which display a delicate floral pattern.


Discussed on OhGizmo!, the Allure holds Micro-ATX mainboards only and the front ports include a pair of USB ports, a firewire port and a HD audio port. The dimensions are 14.5-inches x 7.5-inches x 18.5-inches. Definitely a product you'll have to get a better look at from the product site, which is an experience in itself. No word on pricing just yet.

Do You Use Coasters?

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Are You a Collector?

Collecting things—stamps, foreign coins, perfume bottles, matchbooks— can be a fun hobby. It can also be a great way to decorate your house, and to create little vignettes. Sometimes though, I feel like people need to draw the line with their collector's items; it can become a tad obsessive.
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Photographer to Watch: Noah Webb

Photographer Noah Webb was born in Gold Beach, Oregon, but grew up throughout the state of California. This California influence is prevalent in his work, from images of car washes and classic garages to surfers on sunset beaches.
In 2000, Noah graduated with an MFA in photography from the California Institute of the Arts. Since then, he has been shooting for various clients as well as exhibiting his art. In 2001, he made it into the Surface Avant Guardian issue, which launched his career. In 2003, some of his images were included in the book Sensation. Since then Noah’s work has appeared in some of my favorite home publications, including Dwell, Domino, and Real Simple. A mini-booklet he made of his fine art body of work called read more

Cameron Diaz Is All About Green Living and Vegas

Cameron Diaz continued to show off her enviable wardrobe on the set of What Happens In Vegas, this time in Sin City itself. Her impromptu hubby to be Ashton hasn't joined her yet, but I'm sure they'll be filming in a little white chapel soon enough. Vegas might not be the greenest city in the world (to put it lightly), but I'm sure environmentally conscious Cameron will get up to her fair share of mischief there. Speaking of her more eco side, she recently wrote the forward for The Green Book, a newly published book on the importance of living sustainably. Maybe she can help bring a little of her green mentality to Las Vegas while she's there.

During Sex, Are Your Eyes Closed or Open?

When I have sex, what my eyes do totally depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to have a little visual stimulation, and seeing my man's skin and movements really gets me excited. Also, eye contact is a real turn on for me.
Then there are times when I like to close my eyes and get deeper into the moment by concentrating on the physical sensations or fantasizing about people who turn me on. So what about you? What do you do with your eyes while having sex?

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Wall Murals for Kids

Artist Devon Holzwarth created Mural Studio in 2003 with the intention of applying her fine art training and imagination towards creating murals that can transform a space. I especially love Devon's kids' murals, and would've been thrilled to have one of her underwater murals decorating my bedroom as a kid.

To find out about how to buy one of Devon's murals, and to see images of her fabulous children's murals, just read more

Is Paris Worth All the Cash?

Paris Hilton hit fashion designer Kira Plastinina’s runway show in Russia on Monday, but the trip wasn't just for pleasure. Just for sitting in the front row, Paris scored $2 million for her ability to draw a crowd. She's also rumored to be making $1 million to take over hosting duties for Lindsay at the LAX New Year's Eve bash in Vegas, not a bad paycheck just to throw a party. So tell us — do you think Paris is worth all the cash?
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The Original AppleSac Laptop Case

If you're into eco laptop bags you'll probably love the The Original AppleSac, $29.99, a burlap and polyester sherpa fleece case that makes your ungreen Apple a little more green.

I love the juxtaposition of the earthy AppleSac with a high tech computer, and the fact that the case cleverly disguises your computer instead of calling out the fact that you are carrying a $1,500 machine.

If you're looking for something with a little more color, check out the company's chocolate brown ColcaSac case, which is made of heavy 18.5 oz basketweave canvas, or the Peony Lace case, which is made of pretty reversible Peony Lace fabric.

Midday Muse: Sail Away, Sleepyhead

While I think that my bed's pretty darn comfortable, this one is on another comfort level altogether.


Float by Design Mobel, designed by David Trubridge is the first winner of Design Mobel's annual Challenging How We Sleep contest. This past May, Float was voted by the public as best piece of bedroom furniture in the New Zealand competition.

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Do You Love a Little Kate Walsh?

Kate Walsh picked up some peanuts and smokes stopping off to get gas in LA yesterday afternoon. I don't always love Miss Kate, but the red hot shoes are sassy in a good way (and Private Practice is, sigh, growing on me). Maybe I'll rekindle my love for Addison after all, but only if Kate stops talking about herself so much. Moving on, do you love Kate or is she a total bore? Let us know who you love, who you wish there was more of, and who you never want to take again — all you have to do is take this short little survey and tell us what we're doing right (and how to improve). Your input is greatly, greatly appreciated!

Ikat Napkins & Placemats

It kind of cracks me up that Ballard Designs refers to their discounted inventory as part of an "Estate Sale." I'm sure their "estate" is a steel-walled warehouse in Ohio somewhere. But, since they're selling steals like these Ikat Napkins ($25) and Placemats ($40), I couldn't care less where they've been storing their goods. I love the grosgrain ribbon details and the blue and raspberry color schemes. They're also are totally scratching my ikat itch.

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Hollywood Awards Afflecks, Travolta, Hairspray and More

The Affleck brothers were the men of the hour at last night's Hollywood Film Festival's Hollywood Awards. Brad Pitt handed Casey Affleck the award for Breakthrough Actor of the Year (an honor bestowed on one Miss Lindsay Lohan last year) while Ben walked away with one the Breakthrough Director of the Year. That's the second year in a row on this stage for Ben (last year he won Supporting Actor), but it must have been that much sweeter to share the press room with Casey. John Travolta also walked away with this year's Supporting Actor statue and shared the Ensemble win with the rest of his Hairspray cast. Meanwhile, CZJ didn't go home with any honors, but yowza on the dress. Let Award Season begin!

Scrambled Eggs Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

Scrambled eggs are one of the world's simplest recipes. Once you've mastered the technique of cooking plain scrambled eggs, the possibilities of flavor combinations are endless. For best results, don't over-beat the eggs, and cook in a heavy nonstick or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking. Be sure to use the correct size pan, since cooking too few eggs in an oversized pan will result in burning.

Are You My Mother?

Multi-gazillionaire Leona Helmsley made the news in August when she left $12 million dollars to her dog, Trouble, in her will. At my last count, more than 20 states have legalized such provisions, changing pet owners into pet guardians, and making it possible to will animals money and leave plans for their care. Regardless of any legal terminology or considerations, many people use varying parental titles in relation to their pets. I admit that buying myself a new outfit on Mother's Day and calling it a present from my dog could be a tad over the top, yet I don't consider myself that crazy to call myself North's "mama" ... but is it just me? I'm curious how you feel.
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Wireless WildCharger Gadget Charger Now Available

Most of you were really excited when I introduced you to the WildCharger Wireless Charger this past summer and now, after a long wait, the device is finally available to consumers.

The WildCharger pad and its device adapters offer a neat wire-free power solution and aim to cure the madness of cords, chargers, adapters and congested outlets by offering a single pad that does it all.

The company has launched with adapters for Motorola RAZR cell phones as well as the iPod Nano. They plan on also releasing adapters for Blackberrys and smart phones this winter.

How Well Do You Know Brunch?

I always look forward to Sundays because they are also brunch days. It's usually the only day a week when I go out for a late breakfast and gobble up all kinds of fancy food. The only problem is that it's too hard to choose what to order. Pancakes or French Toast? An omelet or a scramble? And don't even get me started on Bloody Marys!

Are you a brunch lover too? Take this quiz and test your brunch food knowledge.

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Paris and Fab Enjoy the Last of LA Fashion Week

Paris Hilton enjoyed her VIP perch at the Petro Zillia Spring 2008 show finishing off LA Fashion Week on Thursday. She certainly looks happy to be there for her old friend Petro as he showed off his newest line. Fab's got all the hot runway looks from the show for you to see, but even more exciting, they've been racking up the Celebrity Sightings while in LA for Fashion Week. They even spotted Paris in this very front row.

Cate Brings Elizabeth to Rome

Cate Blanchett took Elizabeth: The Golden Age abroad Friday for the Rome Film Festival. First stop for Cate was a photocall for the film where she glowed in blue and gold. Cate then took her look up a notch to walk the red carpet in a dress that made her standout but not necessarily in a good way. Cate has been reflecting on bringing her famous character back to the big screen and while in Rome admitted the role would have been pretty difficult to turn down. She said, "It would have been perverse to refuse to play in the sequel. It's undeniable that Elizabeth I is an extraordinary woman in history."
We're happy Cate came back as Elizabeth even if the sequal wasn't as good as the first.

Beautiful Ladies in Black for Hugo Boss

Kristin Davis took a break from filming SatC to be one of the few who wasn't wearing all black to the Hugo Boss event in NYC last night. Julianne Moore and Maggie Gyllenhaal looked beautiful in all black. Maggie's hair was my favorite part of her look with those great wavy curls. According to Bella's original poll, most of you will be thrilled to see that Julianne is a redhead again. The most surprising appearance of the evening was by Kate Winslet. The actress is not usually a part of the NY party scene so I was excited to see one of our favorite actresses looking fab in her LBD.

Bic Pen Vase

You've heard of blown glass, but how about blown plastic? These Giffin' Termeer Daisy vases ($19) are made from upcycled Bic pens that are heated until their plastic becomes malleable, and then blown into a bulbous shape.

The List

You all gave me loads of great advice for the latest Open House, Secrets for Moving In, to pass along to my closest confidant. There was a lot to work with here, so I took the liberty of paraphrasing a bit, and adding some tips of my own. I've divided your thoughts into several different categories: pre-moving, cleaning, moving, painting, decorating, befriending neighbors, and studio-related tips.

Pre-move:

• Stay organized during your packing phase. Mark your boxes well, and label them with what room they're going in ahead of time. - Queen Lizzy
• Check out your new place thoroughly. Look for bad paint jobs, missing items, scuffs and other marks. Take an extra look at the kitchen and bathroom, and other high traffic places. Make sure all your light fixtures and appliances work properly.- sweetpeabrina

For more tips, read more

Nine Words Women Use

This list is floating around the Internet, and I just had to share it with all of you women out there! Whoever wrote this sure got it right!

The nine words women use:

1. FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2. FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

4 GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5. LOUD SIGH
This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6. THAT'S OK
This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. THANKS
A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.

8. WHATEVER
Is a women's way of saying #@!% YOU!

9. DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, I GOT IT
Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

Since I know you have said each one of these nine words at least once, tell me which number is your all time favorite response!

Fendi Runway Bash on Great Wall of China

The shows never stop! LA Fashion Week isn't the only runway extravaganza currently in the works.

Fendi is currently throwing a four day long party in Beijing, set to culminate on Friday night with the first ever fashion show staged on the Great Wall of China. The runway presentation is a reshowing of the Fendi Fall 2007 collection, and Kate Bosworth and her model boyfriend James Rousseau are said to be in attendance for the bound to be breathtaking spectacle.

The Miyabi Line of DS Lite Cases From Vis-a-Vis

It's not everyday you see DS Lite cases that look like these. Simple yet sophisticated—the perfect case to wrap around your DS. Featured on ds fanboy, these fabric Miyabi cases by Vis-a-Vis come in a variety of colors and patterns with a sturdy clasp for extra security. What's great about this case is the fact that you can still use your DS while it's inside it. I wonder if it could also double as a mini cell phone or iPod holder? Scroll down to check out more designs!

What Happens With Cameron Stays in Costume

Cameron Diaz showed off adorable summer and fall looks on the set of What Happens in Vegas in NYC yesterday. We first saw her more business-y pencil skirt look at the end of August, so I bet Cameron was a little less stoked to be wearing it around Manhattan in the much chillier mid-October weather. No matter the temperature or location, Cameron looks every bit the gorgeous California girl. Last we saw her rumored gentleman caller, Bradley Cooper, he was filming back in LA, but I'm sure Cam has found enough fun to keep her busy in NYC. There's plenty of mischief a girl can get into in that city all by herself.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Today is National Chocolate Cupcake Day, so I knew I'd have to find a fabulous chocolate cupcake to use as Cupcake of the Week. Luckily my search didn't take too long — there are a lot of amazing cupcakes out there! — and I soon found these Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes from flickr user ciao chow. Aren't they lovely?

Google Docs Mobile Goes Live

Usually when I need to access my Google docs on the fly I pull out my iPhone and navigate my way to my Gmail account.

Google is now offering Google Docs Mobile which will make accessing my docs that much easier. To view your Google docs on your cell phone, just point your browser to http://docs.google.com/m and all your docs should appear if you have Google set-up on your phone. And yes, I am a "to-do" list crazy person!

via Google Blogoscoped

Ryan Gosling Melts Our Hearts

Ryan Gosling is GQ's cover boy this month to promote his new movie Lars and the Real Girl (more on that later). In the interview he made us love him even more with his ridiculously sweet revelation about his relationship with his ex, Rachel McAdams. He said,

“I mean, God bless The Notebook. It introduced me to one of the great loves of my life. But people do Rachel and me a disservice by assuming we were anything like the people in that movie. Rachel and my love story is a hell of a lot more romantic than that.”

Now if only they would reunite in real life and maybe even on screen to share that amazing love story with the world. It only seems fair to all of us fans who are heartbroken about their breakup. It's a good thing we can keep watching this over and over again to remember the good old days.

5G iPods hacked to run updated interface

It looks like those 5G and 5.5G iPods owners out there that have been feeling a little envious of the iPod classic's slick new interface now have at least one option at their disposal to give their player a bit of a facelift, although it seems that only the most fearless need apply. While it doesn't go so far as to add the much-vaunted Cover Flow, the newly-released and entirely unofficial firmware hack (which ironically requires the Windows-only iPodWizard software) does seem to mimic most of the features in the latest interface, including the split screen design, and the revised now playing screen. Not surprisingly, a number of users have reported that the hack has bricked their precious iPods, so you may want to reconsider your distaste for you iPod's current interface -- at least until all the kinks are worked out.

[Via iLounge]

The U.K. Government Examines the Impact of Wi-Fi on Health

With some studies saying that WiFi is dangerous and others saying that it is harmless, the U.K. government's Health Protection Agency (HPA) is taking matters into their own hands by carrying out an in-depth study into how wireless networks are being used. The HPA has already indicated that the signals used on Wi-Fi networks were very low power and well within guidelines issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP).

Considering not too long ago the BBC reported that there was no evidence to suggest a link between the use of Wi-Fi and damage to health, this new research should prove to be interesting.

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Cute, Recycled Kitchen Magnets

I love these magnets ($18 for a set of six) from Etsy seller Maiasauramade. Each magnet in this set of six features a one-of-a-kind, handmade collage. For durability, each paper collage is sealed with several layers of mod podge, then sprayed with an acrylic sealer. On the site, Maiasauramade writes, "when my second son started going through jars of baby food like gangbusters, I looked at all the lids and thought there must be something I could do with them. Magnets seemed like the perfect solution." I have to agree.

Do You Take Paris More Seriously Now?

You guys decided that you were still sick of Paris when she got out of jail, but she's been trying to change her image in the past few months. Next up, she's headed to Rwanda to take her philanthropic efforts to a new level.

Paris recognizes that this is a big undertaking and admitted to Newsweek that she's scared, saying, "I've heard it's really dangerous, I've never been on a trip like this before." So tell us, do you take Paris more seriously now?

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