Six clever items to simplify your life

Corkcicle Chillsner Set

Forgot to stick the six-pack in the fridge? Just pop this frozen wand, which features a drink-thru spout, into a bottle of beer to enjoy a cold one whenever you’re in the mood.
To buy: $30 for two, surlatable.com.

Stretch N’ Twist Silicone Bag Ties

Tightly secure opened bags of food (cereal, chips, loaves of bread) with these colorful and flexible bands, which are much studier and easier to use than twisty wire ties. Ties are refrigerator and freezer safe.
To buy: $7 for 10, solutions.com.

Spink

For the clumsy at heart: If you accidently bump your beverage, this cup holder, which suctions to most smooth surfaces, ensures your drink won’t tip and spill all over your desk, keyboard, or lap.
To buy: $25, dreamfarm.com.

Tile Tattoos

Taking your kitchen from drab to fab doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. For a low-cost upgrade (and a renter's dream come true), use water to apply these non-permanent decals over 4-inch-square tiles to add a decorative touch. The tattoos easily remove without leaving any residue.
To buy: $18 for six, 2jane.com.

Inflight Comfort Kit

Up your comfort level with this convenient travel bag, which includes a jersey eye mask, inflatable neck pillow, and soft foam ear plugs for drowning out the sounds of a crowded plane.
To buy: $12, seejanework.com.

Avoid TV Spoilers

If you’re planning to DVR the latest episode of your favorite television drama, ensure chatty friends don’t reveal all of the latest juicy details on social media. This free app is designed to block any post (on Facebook and Twitter) that could potentially spoil a show or game. Available for iPhone and Android.

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Six clever items to simplify your life

Align

Unlike the standard stapler, which is limited by length, this unique version makes it easy to staple materials of any size or shape. Need a staple in the center of the page? Simply detach the magnetic base, line up the two halves, and press.
To buy: $10, quirky.com.

CoverMate Stretch-to-Fit Food Covers

This microwavable food-safe cover stretches to fit over any ramekin, bowl, or platter so you can save or transport your culinary creations with ease. Reuse up to 10 times.
To buy: $4 for 10, target.com.

Easy Walk Harness

If your pup thinks he’s taking you for a walk (read: pulling on the leash), slip this harness on him. The leash attachment is on the chest rather than the collar, which makes it easy to control and steer your dog without putting pressure on his neck.
To buy: $27, petsafe.net.

Wooden Mounted Wall Caddy

Short on counter space? Instead of cramming all of your toiletries under the sink, hang this artful caddy on the wall to cleanly stow toothbrushes, cotton balls, and more.
To buy: $74, uncommongoods.com.

EZ Squeezees

Fill these reusable pouches with yogurt, apple sauce, and other purees for a convenient and mess-free way to snack on the go. To reuse, rinse under hot water or place in the dishwasher.
To buy: $10 for three, ezsqueezees.com.

Dual Camera

Whether you’re touring a new city or simply enjoying a group dinner, share the whole experience by taking two photos—one of what you’re seeing (using your smartphone’s regular camera) and one of yourself (using the front-facing camera). The free app then combines the two photos into a single shareable image.

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Six clever items to simplify your life

Splash Shower Tunes

If you like to sing while you scrub-a-dub-dub, suction this waterproof Bluetooth speaker to the wall of your shower. In addition to changing the song and adjusting the volume, you can also answer a call through the speaker’s microphone.
To buy: $40, freshetech.com.

Cupcake Corer

What’s better than a cupcake? A cupcake filled with a delicious surprise inside. Use this tiny dishwasher-safe kitchen gadget to remove the center from cupcakes or muffins and stuff with your favorite filling. Available in red and black.
To buy: $7, oxo.com.

Baby Shower Cards

Planning a baby shower for your sister, BFF, or co-worker? Celebrate baby-to-be by having guests fill out these adorable keepsake cards. Each one has three prompts—“I hope you always…”, “I hope you learn to…”, and “I hope you never forget…”—for guests to finish off with well-wishes.
To buy: $20 for 24,uncommongoods.com.

Triple C for J. Crew Universal Charger

Stop carrying a mess of tangled wires around with you just to keep your phone charged. This stylish universal charger is compatible with most mobile phones and mp3 players, and is tiny enough to fit into a clutch. Available in black, mint, and red.
To buy: $29.50, jcrew.com.

Tonfisk Newton Milk & Sugar Set

Functioning as a sugar dish and milk pitcher in one, this pretty porcelain server lets you pour milk without removing the sugar bowl that balances and swivels inside.
To buy: $60, amazon.com.

On-the-Go Translator

Whether you’re traveling and want to order a coffee or trying to translate an email from home, this free app helps you communicate in over 70 different languages—no internet connection needed. Simply speak, type, write, or take a picture (perhaps a sign you can’t otherwise read) and the app will translate to the language of your choice.

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Six clever items to simplify your life

Aquala Bathtub Caddy

With everything you need to unwind within arm’s reach—a wine glass holder, foldaway book support, and a soap dish—it’s easy to enjoy a little R&R while taking a warm bubble bath.
To buy: $50, umbra.com.

Nikki’s Magic Wand

When your favorite foundation or lip gloss is just about empty, use this flexible and reusable beauty tool to easily reach every last drop of makeup.
To buy: $10, nikkismagicwand.com.

Pet Food Can Cover

Cover opened, unfinished cans of pet food with these adjustable refrigerator-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe silicone lids to keep Fido and Fluffy’s food fresh (and the odor of pet food out of your refrigerator).
To buy: $10 for two,containerstore.com.

Savino Wine Preservation Glassware

Want to drink today’s wine tomorrow? Pour any leftover vino into this carafe and insert the included float at an angle to minimize oxygen contact. Keeps wine fresh for up to one week.
To buy: $60, savino.com.

The Signature Duvet Cover

Unlike most duvets, which close towards the bottom of the bed, this bedding features a hidden zipper towards the top. The zipper is covered by a layer of fabric that mimics the look of a perfectly folded flat sheet, so you can show off a perfectly made bed without the hassle.
To buy: Starting at $89,craneandcanopy.com.

Outfit Recommendations

If you can’t settle on an outfit, get a second opinion with this free app. Simply upload two pictures—one of each outfit—and let other users vote on their favorite style.

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Six items to simplify your life

Cord Tacos

In buttery-soft leather, this cord wrangler corrals technological clutter (USB cords, earbuds) in your bag or on your desk.
To buy: $25 for 5, thisisground.com.

Dial-a-Slice Apple Slicer


This unique apple corer cuts an apple into eight thick wedges for snacking or, with a quick adjustment, 16 skinny slivers ideal for pies and tarts.
To buy: $20, surlatable.com.

Snooze

Download the free Snooze by Distilapp, set the alarm on your iPhone, then tuck it into this wood-and-silicone dock. In the morning, tap the top for snooze service.
To buy: $35, bitemyapple.co.

The Handy Camel

This industrial-size clip tightly seals big, awkward bags while serving as a handle—great for preventing spills and lugging heavy loads (up to 40 pounds).
To buy: $15, handycamel.com.

SnapBox Canvas Prints

If you captured a great photo of Junior scoring the winning goal with your smartphone, don’t just leave it there. Simply upload your favorite snapshots, choose a canvas size (with two sizes optimized for Instagram photos!), and, within days, you’ll have an affordable high-quality canvas print at your doorstep.
To buy: Starting at $13,snapboxez.com.

Personal Energy Management

This site’s free Energy Center tool can help you avoid sky-high energy bills. Start by answering a few simple questions about your home, appliances, and utility bills. Then, within a few minutes, you’ll get a list of money-saving suggestions sent to you like changing the furnace filter. Plus, if you enter your utility account information (don’t worry—the process is secure), the site will track your progress as you implement new smart strategies.

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Six items to simplify your life

Air Cork



Protect your wine from harsh oxidation with a cork that is inserted into the bottle and prevents air from seeping in. Simply lower the deflated balloon into the bottle and, with a few pumps to the grape, it inflates to create an airtight seal. Your wine will stay fresh for up to three days. If you need more time, give another squeeze or two for extra protection.
To buy: $25, uncommongoods.com.

USB Utility Charge Tool

Designed to look like a pocketknife, this is one utility tool you’ll never want to leave home without. Fully loaded with all of the essentials (a USB plug, two mini USB plugs, and an iPhone charger) for keeping your phone powered up when you're on the go. Available in four colors.
To buy: $24, fredflare.com.

Cyclone

Meet grilling season’s secret weapon: Cook hotdogs faster and more evenly with this handy plastic tool, which wraps around and slices the outside of the meat. Plus, the grooves also help keep all those favorite toppings (mustard, sauerkraut, relish) from slipping off.
To buy: $12, quirky.com.

Pomegranate Tool

Munch on fresh pomegranate seeds without the hassle of digging into the tricky fruit. Simply cut the pomegranate in half, place it in the plastic dome, and gently tap against the specially designed grate. Before you know it, your bowl will be filled with juicy seeds.
To buy: $20, chefscatalog.com.

Klingg Earphone Magnet

Are wires from your iPhone or iPod always getting crossed during your workout? With a two-part magnet that works through your clothing, this clever holder keeps the cables of your earbuds in place and out of the way for free movement during your morning jog. Available in eight color combinations.
To buy: $20, klingg.com.

MagicPlan

Redecorating? Say sayonara to the tape measure and download this free app. Working with your phone’s camera, it measures your room’s walls and doors to create a floor plan that you can print out and take to the furniture store.

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Five clever items to simplify your life

USB Travel Shaver
Get a close shave anywhere you travel, no adapter needed. Charge this pocket-sized razor (bonus points for fitting in your carry-on!) using any standard USB port. Each gadget comes with a cleaning brush and protective travel case.
To buy: $45, flight001.com.

Magisso Cake Server
Celebrating any occasion is, well, a piece of cake with this sleek kitchen gadget in hand. Gently press the server into any cake, squeeze the handle, and easily pick up and move slices from serving platter to plate.
To buy: $15, finnstyle.com.

Findables iPhone Case
Lost your phone? Don’t panic. In fact, this protective case can actually help you find it. With a unique QR code printed on the back, anyone who scans it, can find your online profile, contact you, and return the phone.
To buy: $30, findables.me.

Buddeez Flour and Sugar Storage Container
Slip dried goods (flour, sugar, cereal) into this handy plastic storage container to keep them bug- and moisture-free. With a snap-on lid and a side handle that makes pouring a cinch, it’s an easy and convenient way to keep food fresh. Each 4-quart container can hold as much as a 5-pound bag of sugar or flour and is dishwasher-safe.
To buy: $10, chefscatalog.com.

PowerLine PowerCup
Take your charging to go. This clever gadget, disguised as a coffee cup, powers up to three devices at a time (two plugs and one USB port). Simply attach the cup to the cigarette lighter in your car, connect your phone or tablet, and keep your electronics charged even when you’re on the road.
To buy: $32.50, amazon.com.

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How to beat social anxiety

Giving a Speech
A Reader Suggests:Daisy Cortez, 39, a marketing executive in Miami finds someone in the audience to focus on. “In the first week of a new job, my boss asked me to make a speech, which immediately made me nervous,” she says. “To make matters worse, I’ve been a terrible blusher my whole life. I’ve tried tricks, like pretending I’m diving into a pool of cold water or visualizing my blood draining down to my toes, but neither has helped. Then I realized that I rarely blush in front of friends. Before my speech, I chatted with a woman who was very friendly. As I made my way to the podium, I was nervous, but then I spotted this woman in the audience and she smiled, which calmed me down instantly. At that moment, I realized I was speaking to kind people who wanted me to succeed.”



Experts Add:

• Couple the first line of your speech with some kind of physical gesture. “Gesture toward the person who introduced you or sweep an arm out to the audience,” says corporate coach Joyce Newman, founder of the Newman Group, an executive media-training company in New York City. “It will help channel your nervous energy.”
• If the anxiety persists, don’t try to put it at the back of your mind, says Jerilyn Ross, a psychotherapist and the president of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, in Silver Spring, Maryland. It may seem counterintuitive, but “suppressing those feelings only makes them worse,” says Ross. “Instead, acknowledge them by thinking, OK, it’s happening, and they’ll go away more quickly."

Eating Alone at a Restaurant
A Reader Suggests:Tracy Breyfogle, 37, a production assistant from Wilmington, North Carolina brings a book. “I extended a business trip and found myself alone for a weekend in Boston. That Friday night, I suddenly felt self-conscious,” she says. “Everyone seemed to be coupled or in a group. I saw a packed restaurant and hesitated, worrying what people would think when they saw that I was alone, but I knew I’d be mad at myself if I didn’t go for it. I sat at the bar and ordered a glass of wine. As I scanned the room, I realized that no one was looking at me. I had my journal with me and decided to write an entry. (If anyone did spot me, I thought they might think I’m a best-selling novelist!) Now I even eat alone at some of my favorite restaurants in my hometown. If I’m feeling introspective, I ask for a quiet table and bring a book. If I’m feeling bold, I sit at the bar and strike up a conversation.”



Experts Add:

• Remember, as Tracy realized, “most people aren’t focusing on you,” says Barbara Markway, a psychologist and the author of Painfully Shy (Thomas Dunne Books, $15). “People spend less time scrutinizing others than they do worrying about themselves.
• Bringing a book or a magazine is a good idea because it “gives you a physical activity to do, which automatically shifts the focus from fretting to writing or reading,” says Markway.
• Finally, practice. “Go to a coffee shop or a diner and sit by yourself for an hour each week,” suggests Florence Falk, a psychoanalyst and the author of On My Own (Three Rivers Press, $14). “Once you’re used to being alone, you’ll start to enjoy it.”

Attending a Function Alone

A Reader Suggests:Laurie Sandell, 36, a writer from Brooklyn 
tries to role-play. “As a journalist, I go to a lot of events on my own, but I still have those moments of dread: What if I don’t know anyone there? Why did I wear this dress?” she says. “When I get to an event and want to hide in the corner, I pretend I’m conducting an anthropological experiment. Instead of assuming people are watching me and wondering, Why is she here alone? I scan the room to see what everyone else is doing. If I see someone sitting alone, I approach that person and ask simple questions, like ‘How do you know the host?’ Nine times out of 10 that person feels just as uncomfortable as I do and is relieved that I broke the ice first.”



Experts Add:

• “Before you arrive, think of a half-dozen things you can talk about,” says Don Gabor, a communications coach and the author of How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends (Fireside, $13). Books and movies are always relatable topics.
• If there’s an emotional subject you want to avoid (for instance, you’ve just separated), rehearse stock answers to common questions, like “Where’s your other half?” so you aren’t left stumbling.
• As you scan the room, adopt this as your mantra: They’re as nervous as I am. “People are so grateful when you introduce yourself,” says corporate coach Joyce Newman.
• To avoid a “Now what?” silence after an introduction, follow with an easy compliment, such as “What a beautiful dress.”

Cold-Calling

A Reader Suggests:Liz Subin, 40, a homemaker in Essex, Vermont
psychs herself up. “When a conservancy group I admire asked me to do some fund-raising for them, I thought it would be easy,” she says. “I’m a confident person, but cold-calling stripped me of that fast. The first no was like a punch in the stomach. By the fifth, I felt like a failure. But rather than quitting, I tapped into my passion for the group, and that motivated me to find a way to get through those calls. To rev myself up, I’d go for a run, work in the garden, or bake. I’d also rehearse my fund-raising pitch. Treating myself to a cup of tea after every 10 calls also helped.”

Experts Add:

• Know the odds. “It usually takes 20 cold calls to net even one sale. So every single rejection is not cause for increasing alarm,” says Craig Harrison, a California-based corporate coach who teaches a class called Take the Chill out of Cold Calls.
• Stretching, cleaning, or singing your favorite song before you make the call releases tension, as does smiling. “Research shows that smiling makes you sound more relaxed,” says Harrison.
• Keep your pitch short―about 16 seconds―so you don’t waffle, which will only compound your nerves, Harrison says.
• A bulleted script can also boost confidence. But in the end the key is to treat the call like any other.

Easy insider beauty tricks

Bubble Gone

Ever had a polish job marred by tiny bubbles? Here’s how to get the upper hand next time, says celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp: Before you apply color, roll the bottle between your palms rather than shaking it, which can introduce air into the formula. Then, after you apply the first coat, let it dry for a full five minutes. If you paint over wet nails, the second coat is less apt to lie flat.

Want Some Body?
To perk up a limp-noodle ponytail, Kayley Pak, a stylist at the John Barrett salon, in New York City, recommends spraying dry shampoo midway down the tail to give it “guts” (hairstylist-speak for body). Fluff with your fingers, then set with hair spray.

Skin Saver
If facial scrubs leave you feeling raw, there’s a kinder, gentler solution: Mix about ½ tablespoon of baking soda in your palm with enough water to turn it into a paste, suggests January Olds, an aesthetician in Santa Monica. Massage into damp skin, then rinse. “The granules feel smooth, even, and nonirritating,” she says.

The Cure for Mani Mess-ups
When you’re giving yourself a manicure, paint the nails on your dominant hand first so that you don’t end up polishing with your weak side when it’s wet, says Tracylee, a nail ambassador with Sally Hansen. Also, leave your thumbs for last so you can use them to clean up the other nails along the way. Take smudges off your thumbs when they’re dry with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover.

Hair Say
Summer brings with it two sworn enemies of hair—chlorine and sun. To fend them off, follow this advice from celebrity hairstylist Kristan Serafino. Before swimming, wet down and condition (but don’t rinse) your hair to keep it from absorbing chlorine. And when in the sun, pin up your hair in a twist or a chignon rather than wearing it down or in a ponytail. That way, it will be less exposed to damaging ultraviolet light.

DIY Skin Soother
For a make-it-yourself body-smoother, whip up this coconut treatment from Jennifer Yen, the creator of the Pur-Lisse skin-care line. In a bowl, mix together ½ cup ground rice (you can use a blender to grind), ½ cup coconut milk, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1½ tablespoons freshly grated ginger. Stir until the ingredients form a paste, then smooth it over your entire body using circular motions. Rinse in the shower, then slather on moisturizer.

Gray Matters
Next time you’re touching up your roots at home, don’t forget the hairline and the temples, where grays tend to lurk. After spreading the formula along your part, pull your hair into a ponytail (or a headband if your hair is short or you have bangs), suggests Marie Robinson, Clairol’s color director: “This will expose those errant grays so you can coat them properly.”

Nail Tip
Traditional wisdom states that the best way to revive old, clumpy nail polish is with polish remover. Not so. For a smoother, less streaky result, use a few drops of fresh clear polish instead. “That will help thin the formula without separating it,” says Los Angeles–based manicurist Kristi Marie Jones.

Blend Right In
Cream blush is the best option for dry or fine-lined skin—but it should leave you looking flushed, not feverish. After you’ve applied the blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blend the outer edges with a synthetic makeup wedge dipped in liquid foundation. “This will massage the color into your skin so there isn’t a jarring contrast,” says Sarah Appleby, a makeup artist in New York City.

Cotton TaleTwo new reasons to love the humble cotton ball: You can preload it with powder blush or bronzer for on-the-go application. Or, if you’ve been heavy-handed with your cheek color, dab the puff in translucent powder and blend it on top to lessen the intensity, says Jacqui Stafford, a style expert and the author of The Wow Factor ($25,amazon.com).

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Problem-solving kitchen gadgets

GIR Spatula

Molded out of a single piece of silicone (i.e. the head won’t come off mid-stir) with the right balance of sturdy yet flexible, this heat-resistant utensil (up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit!) will see you through stews, cakes batters, and much more. Choose from one of 11 vibrant colors. To buy: $22.50, productofgir.com.


Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler Polka Dot

A fun design update for the trusted Y-peeler. Use it to easily strip peels off zucchinis, apples, and even tough butternut squash. To buy: $5, kuhnrikon.com.


Progressive Collapsible Hand Strainer

The silicone basket in this space-saving strainer is delicate enough for berries but sturdy enough for potatoes. To buy: $10.50, amazon.com.


Chef’n Freshforce Ladle

Get into every corner of your saucepan with this clever triangular-shaped ladle. Plus, the extra deep scoop means fewer trips from pot to bowl. To buy: $7, amazon.com.


Tovolo Colossal Cube Mold
Try out the popular supersized ice trend at home. These 2 ¼-inch cubes melt slowly so they won’t dilute your homemade Manhattan or favorite whiskey. To buy: $13 for a set of 2 molds, amazon.com.


NexTrend Garlic Twist

Avoid a garlicky cutting board with this handy tool. Just place a clove inside, twist, and out comes a recipe-ready mince. To buy: $15, amazon.com.


Capresso Cool Grind Coffee and Spice Grinder

The best way to get the tastiest coffee or spices is to grind just before using. Many grinders create too much heat, which breaks down aromas. This compact version stays cool to preserve those delicious flavors. To buy: $20, capresso.com.

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