GeekSugar

Geek Gear: Great Desk Accessories

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:00:45 PDT

I asked you all to share your favorite desk accessories by bookmarking them on TeamSugar last week and as expected, the results were nothing short of wacky. From USB gadgets that massage your hands, LED clocks and paper clip holders to novelty card readers - there are very few goofy gadgets we didn't find.

I like to keep my desktop as clean as possible, so while most of these items entertain me and would likely instigate endless inquiries and jokes I can't see myself buying many of them. My favorite, however, is the USB Powered Meowing Kitty Sensor, $24, that tdamji found. It's an animated cat figure that uses V.M.S. (Vision, Motion, Sound) technology and an infrared sensor that detects movements to alert you of any intruders. It also meows and hisses and sings melodies. If that won't entertain you while you sit in your cubicle farm I don't know what will.

For additional accessories bookmarked by users and myself, scroll through the widget below.

Colorful Desk Accessories For Kids

LilSugar — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:27:09 PST

Whether it's a place for weekend arts and crafts or school-day homework, a nice desk area is a great way to encourage your kids to have hobbies. Not only will they have a cute corner to call their own, but they'll also learn to set aside time (and space) for their work. Liven up your little one's desk area with fun, colorful accessories and help them get inspired.

Travel Tips For the Upcoming Holiday Weekend

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:45:22 PST

Traveling this holiday? Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday this year, which makes one big mess at the airport. If you can't take a car or a train, be sure to check out these packing and travel tips to make your life easier while booking flights, getting through security checkpoints, and beyond.

Booking Flights

TripIt - Once signed up for the free service, forward travel confirmation emails to TripIt, which will automatically create a master itinerary of an upcoming trip accessible through the web or a mobile device. The itineraries even include the tidbits we seem to forget like weather updates, local maps, and directions.
Google Flight Search - Book that plane ticket before prices rise any further! Google's flight search engine incorporates travel basics like price point, maximum number of connections, and preferred airline with an easy-to-use interface.
Hotel Tonight - If there are too many relatives in one house, scan the last-minute hotel deals at Hotel Tonight for a chic getaway at a discounted price. Every day three hotels in a city reveal their discounted rates starting at noon, and you then have until 2 a.m. to book the deal and take advantage of a peaceful room.
My TSA - Can homemade fruit cakes go through security? How early should you show up to the airport for a flight on the eve of Thanksgiving? Answer the pressing travel questions that could otherwise cause delays or stress by adding the TSA's free iOS app to your device. The app's airport security line estimator may become the most crucial feature on your phone when planning your airport arrival.
HearPlanet ($3) - Take the time to discover the cultural side of your holiday destination. This interactive app highlights attractions in over 300,000 locations and uses geolocation features so that you don't miss any of the nearby fun, plus it's a great excuse to get out of the house and move around in fresh air.
GasBuddy - Hitting the open road instead of the air? Use the free GasBuddy app to locate the cheapest fuel on the interstate. Show your fellow travelers some love and share the low-price gas station you discover within the app.

Gadget Essentials

iPad or Tablet - If you have the luxury of spending upwards of $500 on a tablet, it's probably the only gadget you'll need to tote during travel season since it can hold your ebooks, surf the Internet, and keep you connected.
eReader - If you're sans tablet, pack up your favorite ereader. Whether it's the latest Kindle or the new Nook Simple Touch, you can read the entire Game of Thrones series without all the paper weight.
Compact laptop - Though the MacBook Air is arguably the most popular lightweight laptop out there, there's plenty of compact PCs and ultrabooks to choose from as well.
Chargers - If you're toting all these gadgets, you're going to (obviously) need some chargers to keep things juiced. Thankfully, many airlines are offering charging stations in the terminal and even seat-side outlets on board, so you can stay 100 percent charged throughout your trip.
Headphones - Keep the roar of 35,000 feet at bay with some nice sound-isolating headphones. If you're going over-the-ear, consider Skullcandy Aviators ($149), which offer great sound and deep bass and are even comfy for those geeks who wear glasses.

Get more tips on how to pack your bag and save some dough after the break.

Making the Most of Your Tiny Desk

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:40:00 PDT

Whether you're in the process of sprucing up a small office or you're about to head off to college, having a comfortable work space at your home base is integral. We all know there's nothing worse than being stressed when you're on the heels of a huge project or you're trying to cram the night before a big exam, and clutter on your desk only creates more stress. You may be glued to your desk at your day job, or if you're a college-aged kid, you may be planning to live at the library, but having a space to work from home, regardless of size, can make your life far easier.

For all the working women, I love this Sort and the City Desk Organizer ($30). It's a great way to keep files together, and I love the wooden cosmopolitan scene. Its unassuming color would be a great addition to any desk. For the collegiate ladies out there, I'm a huge fan of the USB Tulip Hub ($22). These little guys will be your best friend at the library when you're working on a paper or preparing to print. Instead of a boring design, mix it up with this portal pot of tulips.

You may be tempted to fill up that desk with tchotchkes, trinkets, and a million framed photos, but take a step back and re-examine the scenario. Instead of the cluttered chaos, choose practical office accessories with flair!

How Your Wardrobe Can Help You Lose Weight

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:41:48 PDT

When we think of weight loss, we can't help but daydream about the adorable clothes we'll be able to wear once we reach our goal weight. For the time being, you can use your present wardrobe to inspire those pounds to drop off. Here's how.

Bangle bracelets: Drinking water instead of soda, sugary juices, and high-calorie coffee drinks is a surefire way to cut calories. Getting your fill of nature's beverage also makes you feel full, which prevents unnecessary snacking, so try to drink a glass of water at least every hour or so. To help you remember to drink water throughout the day, here's a fashionable tip: buy a set of eight or so bangle bracelets. Wear them on your right hand and every time you finish a glass of water, move a bracelet over to your left wrist. It'll help you keep track of your water intake, and you'll look stylish doing it.

Comfy walking shoes or sneakers: If your office is in a tall building, you'll be more likely to save your feet and slip into the elevator if you're wearing heels. Comfy shoes, on the other hand, will inspire you to get up on your feet more, taking walks up and down the stairs, strolls to your co-worker's desk to chat (instead of sending an email), for a walk-and-talk meeting, or even a midday jog.

Fitted clothes: Elastic waistbands and big shirts are comfy, but they cover up your body and allow you to forget what you look like, which might work against you in terms of motivation. These types of clothes also encourage lounging around on the couch for hours. Instead, opt for clothes that have a more fitted silhouette. Fitted shirts and pants made out of stretchy material can help give you a sense of your body image and may also inspire you to do something active. Since wearing tights or leggings is in, it won't seem odd if you sport your yoga pants at work.

See more tips after the break!