GeekSugar

How-To: Clean Up Chargers and Cords

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:30:00 PDT

If you're anything like me, then you've got several drawers that look much like the one in this picture. Every electronic comes with at least one cord (though usually there are more), and it's not always in use. That brings me to my biggest issue with electrical cords and chargers: storage. What on earth do I do with all these wires? More times than not the ugly chargers end up in a tangled mess in a few drawers throughout the house or, even worse, hanging out on my counter tops. A super organized pal recently told me her no-hassle solution to my problem, and I decided to give it a try. Want to see what my cords look like now? Then

read more. Ta da! I'm smitten. If you look closely you'll see that all you need to have perfectly organized cords is an inexpensive, clear, over-the-door shoe organizer ($15) and a few sticky labels. Simply insert the cords in the slots, add the labels, and you're done. Honestly, the hardest part was figuring out which cord went with what gadget (I'll admit I still have a few unnamed compartments). Never again will I be muttering profanities as I frantically search for my video camera charger. What's that you say? You need to charge your BlackBerry? Turns out I've got three chargers for that!

Let Your Cables Stand Out: The NUD Cable Collection

GeekSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:30:10 PDT

If you're obsessed with going wireless because of a few unattractive power cables, then maybe these will help you ease up on your cord management obsession. The NUD Collection of cables and lights is an eye-catching group of textile-wrapped cables which come in different (read: fashionable) colors and textures, meant to draw attention rather than blend in.

Currently available only for geeks living in Europe (lucky dogs, you!), the NUD cables come with porcelain lightbulb holders (so you can hang your lights in style), in power brick form with multiple outlets, and as extension cords, keeping your behind-the-TV outlets looking fresh. All the NUD cables come in varying lengths from one to 10 meters (that's three to 32 feet for the rest of you), so you can style your room around your power from now on, instead of the other way around.

Check out a few more images of these oh-so-stylish power cables when you read more.

View 10 Photos ›

Fab Finger Discount: J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Cords

FabSugar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:00:08 PST

I've been meaning to add a pair of handsome cords to my closet but haven't found "Mr. Right." These J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Cords ($20-$40, originally $80) might be him. I love the rolled cuffs and the cool gray hue. It's also available in black, navy, dark aubergine, dark charcoal, soft ocre, and warm maple.

For more great deals, check out SaleHabit.com! Also scope out the Frugalosity! and Cheap Chic FabSugar Community groups!

Peek Inside the 2010 Surf Dogs Calendar!

PetSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:56 PDT

Surfing is a skill I've yet to master but it's still fun to watch . . . and when you add dogs to the equation, it just becomes even more so. Check out this calendar's photo shoot - I'm stoked!

Geek Tip: Store Your Go-to Cords in One Place

GeekSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:10:12 PDT

Saying I have a lot of cords, chargers, and headphones is like saying Fab has a lot of shoes or Bella has a lot of moisturizers. Naturally, I collect gadgetry and along with it, miles upon miles of wirey goodness. There are plenty of innovative devices and tips for controlling cord clutter, but at the end of the day, the most basic wins in my book.

I purchased a set of pretty craft boxes from West Elm a while back and have devised a fool-proof system: I only keep the items I use weekly in this box. That way, I know my camera cord and charger, extra computer power cord, shuffle cord, iPhone cord, travel BlackBerry charger, and an extra USB cord are in the same place when I'm running out of the house. It has saved my sanity more than a few times.

Ugly Cable Making You Nuts? Cover Your Cords in Beads

GeekSugar — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:03:33 PDT

Beads make everything better! Check out these radical wooden bead-covered extension cords, found on a French blog.

Their French nature means they won't work in US outlets, sadly, but I'm thinking DIY. With snap-on beads, maybe? I'm looking into it.

Contactbox: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:45:35 PDT

This past year, clean contactboxes popped up all over the place - from fancy wall-mounted boxes to simpler smart tech desk boxes from Pottery Barn.

This Contactbox ($92) by designer Anna Falkenmark keeps cords nice, neat, and out of the way, but it does stand out as a unit.

Would you use one around your home and office, or do you prefer old-fashioned cord organizing methods?

Multiplug USB Helps Keep Cords All Wrapped Up

GeekSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:21 PDT

It's not easy to keep USB cords in order, but the 88 percent of you who like creative organizers will probably agree this USB multiplug ($16) looks like it could help.

The device was designed by Theo Williams and features three sockets and four LED lights to denote connectivity. I like that it airs on the subtle side of cord management and doesn't involve a complicated wall mount or cartoon-like coverage. I also like that it looks a wee bit like the cord base that came with my old iBook.

Cordwrap: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:05:37 PDT

The downside to all these gadgets I love is that my apartment looks like a tourism ad for Cord Country. Solutions abound, but they're usually an endeavor in which you have to unplug and reorganize, which stresses me out to even think about (not to mention not wanting to disconnect certain electronics).

Here's something totally different: Cordwrap ($29)! Don't hide it, just wrap it! I've thought about DIYing something like this for a long time, but again, thinking = stress. I'm actually disappointed that the picture only shows the beige check pattern, because there are a number of bold and neutral colors available in cotton and silk.

But are these brilliant, or just another mask of a problem that needs to be hidden?

Apple's Defective MagSafe Adapters Get Replaced For Free!

GeekSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:39:30 PDT

Wow, Apple is really trying to get on the good side of its customers - first it offers two months free of the buggy Mobile Me and now it will replace your defective MagSafe adapter for free! I've probably had the white insulation go on about two of my magnetic power cords, so I know how expensive it can get to purchase a new one.

Once the wires get exposed, it usually renders your power cord unusable so this is indeed a nice gesture from Apple. If this has happened to you, Apple advises taking it to your local Apple Retail Store for evaluation and it will replace the cord for free if there aren't any signs of abuse.
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