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With the recent disaster of Hurricane Sandy, many were (and still are) without power, which means no means of communication with friends, loved ones, or emergency personnel. Don’t let yourself fall into the same scenario- take stock of your own disaster kit and make sure you have an adequate wind-up charger for your mobile phone. Etón has a new rechargeable USB battery pack with a hand turbine power generator; one minute of cranking can produce power for a 30-second call or a few important texts. Available for pre-order, starting at $50.
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If you’re in the market for a classic wall clock, and would like something quite small and elegant, do turn your eyes toward the collection of timepieces designed by Henning Koppel for Jensen. Choose between the 10cm (~4″) or 15cm (~6″) size, stainless steel or black stainless steel, and white or black dial. Also, you can save your pennies in hopes of one day adding a barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer alongside the clock for a full collection of weather instruments. Also, do you know (or can you guess) which decade these clocks were designed? Was it the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or 2000+? Answer below.
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If you happen to remember the Forêt Noire Scenic Wallpaper, you might recognize some of these little guys. Designed by the same Nathalie Lété, these vinyl wall stickers are sure to keep you in good company. They’re self-adhesive and could be an excellent alternative to wallpaper wherever you want- and don’t go putting these in the ‘only suitable for kids’ box. In fact, you are hereby challenged not to put these in a kid’s room- scatter them throughout a hallway or wherever else they look at home.
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Brave those long lines and cast your vote today; if you don’t, you forfeit the right to complain about the government. Not sure where your polling place is? Google has a polling place lookup that’s quick and easy.

Shown above, Vote Cards, $16, from the Cooper-Hewitt Shop.

Remember Haptic Lab’s Great Lakes Quilt that was featured last week? If you like the look of a modern city quilt and are known to be handy with a needle and thread, think about purchasing one of their DIY kits. Choose from several cities- each basic kit comes with a 36″ x 42″ single-use map template and sewing instructions while a full kit ($74) includes the material and thread in ivory as well. Choose your own fabric with the basic kit and you’ll have a nice project to work on with a one-of-a-kind end result (that would make an excellent gift, by the way, but after all that work, everyone will understand if you decide to keep it for yourself). Keep in mind the 36″ x 42″ size is large enough for a crib quilt or wall hanging.

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You might scoff at the price tag, and that’s understandable, but the point is that this rope has hooks on the end of it, making it appropriate for a variety of uses. Perhaps the most notable (and fun) use is best demonstrated in the image below of a child using the rope as an impromptu swing, but there’s sure to be lots of ideas of how it could be utilized in your own home or garden. Designed by Anne Masson and Eric Chevalier (of Chevalier Masson). Also, check out the smaller Hang (€ 11.50) by the same duo.
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Nice! Woolly Pocket is adding a new product to their selection: the Living Wall Planter. It’s modular (like the regular wall pockets), yet it has a hard vented shell that is equipped with a self-watering tank. The vented shell allows extra moisture to evaporate so that roots are healthy. So, just when you thought gardening couldn’t get any easier, it does. The planters are easy to hang and are safe for growing food indoors and out.

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Time-Lapse of Hurricane Sandy Hitting New York City, (via swissmiss). Remember, lots of people are still without power. To donate, go to American Red Cross.

Have a nice weekend.

Hmm, these get a slight frown because of the fact they’re intended for one use only, but they would be excellent placemats for a party or special dinner where regular linens just won’t work. Blueprints of appropriate place settings can’t be ignored, after all, because of the technical aspect, so you’ll know everything will be in its proper place no matter who sets the table. Also available in kraft paper. And, should you want a cotton alternative, do be sure to take a look at these: Cheat Sheet Placemats from Donkey.
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Yes, it is another icosahedron, that wonderful 20-sided shape that we all know and love, yet this one is in the form of a pendant light- a pendant light handmade in Brooklyn, NY, no less. Now, the retailer is being a little mysterious (or maybe just forgetful) by not listing the actual artist’s name (nor the cooperative), but let’s congratulate the artist for creating this acrylic glass and brushed aluminum beauty. Oh, remember how ‘handmade’ was in italics? That emphasis serves to warn you that this pendant will put a dent in your credit card should you choose to purchase it.
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Haptic Labs have a new design out that’s perfect for any fan of the Upper Midwest. The Great Lakes are mapped out on a navy blue background and covers everything from Duluth, MN to Rochester, NY. Certain cities are stitched in red and the lakes are hand-appliqued. Limited quantities available, so you’d best move fast if this quilt is calling your name.
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It’s about time. The WeMo Switch allows you to turn electronics on or off from anywhere. A lamp, a heater, a toaster, whatever, as long as it’s plugged into the WeMo Switch, you can use the WeMo app to control it. You’ll need your iPhone and your home Wi-Fi/mobile internet to make this magic happen, but what magic it would be to put your entire house on a schedule and save time (and maybe even some money). Have the lights on when you come home, or use the motion sensor (+$50) to have a light go on when you pass by. So many options…
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Our thoughts go out to those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy; if you’d like to make a donation to help relief efforts, go to American Red Cross. Any amount helps.

Also, if you’re in NYC, there’s a dog shelter that really needs volunteers to walk dogs while the trains are down: Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition.

Truly interesting floor lamps are very rarely inexpensive, so prepare yourself for a comma (and an unfortunately placed ‘9’) in this price tag. The Axis Light is made from a solid piece of aluminum tube with two support rods that slide freely, allowing the angle to be adjusted. The lightsource rotates 180° around the main tube.

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Sideboards are one of those investment pieces that stick with us no matter how much we move, so you might want to make sure you do your research before buying one just because it matches your dining table.

Eastvold has an excellent option in the Alden Sideboard. The wood grain runs seamlessly across the door/drawer fronts, giving a unified, sleek look. Dovetailed drawers, soft-close slides, and hidden hinges add to its qualifications. And, hey, this doesn’t have to go in your dining room; it can easily live as a media center, as it accommodates media equipment wiring and has adjustable shelves.

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