reKindle your love of books: wireless reading device

We loved Amazon's Kindle, a handheld gadget that allows one to wirelessly download books and prominent newspapers to let you e-read. The great thing is that it's super easy to transport (perfect for the not-so-weary traveler), weighing only a little over 10 ounces, and can hold over 200 titles. We thought the notion of electronic paper/books very Minority Report. Would you forego your library for one of these?

Technorati tags: kindle, e-reader, paperless, electronic book

Photo credit: Amazon.com

just in case: disaster supply kit

From the cyclone that hit Myanmar to the earthquake that hit China to Chaiten erupting in the Andes, it's obvious that no one is safe from natural disasters. Thus, it's a good idea to keep a survival kit around just in case. See below for our list of items to include. Also, check out Popular Mechanic's Survival Skill Guide on how to save yourself in the case of a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, or flood. You can also click here to quiz your survival savvy.

disaster supply kit:

water: In an emergency, pipes may be broken or the water contaminated. For your kit, store in plastic bottles. Don't use cartons or glass, as they may collapse/break. How much? One gallon per person per day. Also, add just a FEW drops of bleach to the supply (no more than 10 drops per gallon). This keeps it microbe-free for long periods of storage.

food: Stock up on non-perishables: canned items, high energy packaged foods (meal bars, crackers, trail mix), vitamins, instant beverages (powdered milk, instant coffee), any specialty items for babies, older people, or pets.

first aid kit: Be sure to include general medicine and any prescription drugs.

clothing and bedding: Per person, one complete change of clothes (including a pair of sturdy shoes or boots). Also, rain gear, thermal underwear, blankets or sleeping bags.

cash: Banks/ATMs may not be available for awhile. Remember to keep small bills.

additional tools/supplies: To be stored in a portable container like a backpack or duffel bag just in case you have to leave your house.

• plastic cups/plates/utensils
• battery-operated and NOAA radio (don't forget the extra batteries!)
• flashlight
• non-electric can opener
• utility or Swiss Army knife
• pliers
• duct tape
• compass
• matches in a waterproof container
• aluminum foil
• paper and mechanical pencils
• safety pins
• wrench (to turn off the gas and water to your house)
• whistle
• toilet paper and other toilettries
• antibacterial soap
• signal flares

Technorati tags: natural disasters, survival kit, supply kit

Photo credit: FEMA.gov

virtual flower power: e-mail custom bouquet

Yes, Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. Hopefully you've already scheduled flowers to be delivered. However, whether you have or not, check out the website flowers2mail.com. You can create a custom floral arrangement and card, then E-mail them out. There are many different types of vases, flowers, cards, colors and other accessories to choose from, so your arrangement can be for almost any occasion: birthday, good luck, housewarming, marriage/engagement, or just because!

Technorati tags: flowers, mother's day, e-mail card, virtual card

Photo credit: flowers2mail

now that's a quick dry! towel in a tablet

We loved these towel-in-a-tablets called TowTabs. Just add water and the bottlecap-sized tablet expands into a towel! Yes, it's true. Reminds you of those sponge-in-a-gel-capsules we adored as kids, right? These TowTabs are ideal for storing in (dry) places like glove compartments or handbags for a quick and convenient wipe, or even for easier, lighter packing on trips.

Technorati tags: towtabs, towel in a tablet, instant towel, travel, packing

Photo credit: BodyBumps

the not-so-weary traveler: currency exchange tips

As you're making summer vacation plans, remember a key logistic: currency. Check out the tips below on the most efficient ways to get the most bang (or pound or euro or yen) for your dollar. (Also, recall our post on a handy currency exchange calculator here.)

• Pre-pay for big expenses like hotel, flight, etc. as early as you can if you know your currency is trending toward loss of value. That way, you don't lose as much money with the lowering exchange rate.
• Convenience isn't everything! Many currency exchange booths in prime locations (e.g. airports, hotels, tourist hot spots, subway stations, etc.) use the lowest possible exchange rate, plus charge a high commission.
• Beware of bank fees. Exchanging currency with your local bank can be expensive, as they tend to change fairly large fees. Be sure to call and check first before you go this route. However, the good thing about this option is that it's safe, easy, and you tend to get a good rate of exchange.
• Beware of fraud. Always exchange with a reputable source. Online currency exchange systems are particularly suspect. Bottomline: better safe than sorry!
• Credit cards tend to be a good way to go while traveling abroad, as they typically offer the best/truest exchange rates. However, before you leave the country, be sure to call your credit card company and double check all of their policies on international transactions to ensure against any hidden fees. Also, when you use a credit card abroad, many establishments will charge you a premium themselves outside of the credit card company. So be aware!
• ATMs are actually pretty decent while traveling abroad, as long as you use them sparingly (i.e. withdraw a large enough amount that'll last you for a few days and keep it safe). Typically, your bank will charge you a transaction fee per withdrawal AND the ATM will charge you a fee, but the upside is that you'll get a good/true exchange rate.
• Only withdraw as much as you need. Remember, once you return to your home country, you'll have to re-exchange whatever foreign currency you have, losing even more per dollar in the whole process.
• If possible, check the exchange rates yourself daily and keep a record on hand. That way, you'll know how to size up an exchange rate when you come across one. You'll also be more aware of the general trend of your currency. Perhaps it's better to hold out a day before you exchange if your currency is going up, or vice versa.

Technorati tags: currency exchange, exchange rates, travel

Photo credit: Marcus Jump (stock.xchng)

top 10 t-shirt sites

Dress it up. Dress it down. Make a statement or just sport it around. The great thing about new styles of T-shirts are that they can be as fashionable as a button-down shirt (for guys) or a cute top (for gals). Simply pair a nicely designed, good fitting tee with a blazer and nice jeans, et voila! A great, comfortable outfit for almost any occasion. For the best the web has to offer in terms of tees, check out the sites below.

• threadless.com: This site is a constant "open call" for T-shirt design submissions. If your design is chosen, you could even get paid! Very sharp, designy tees.
• bustedtees.com: Sometimes a bit off color, almost always a pop culture reference. This site caters to T-shirts with a bit of humor.
• cafepress.com: An incredibly wide variety of T-shirt designs. You'll find the funny, the cute, the professional, the geeky... Basically, if you ever wondered if there was a T-shirt proclaiming your love of (insert hobby/TV show/political party/etc. here), this site will probably have it.
• spreadshirt.com: You can design your own T-shirt here. Simply type in your text, upload your image, etc.
• despair.com: For the pessimist in us all. Some pretty hilariously negative humor.
• t-shirts.com: The name says it all. A wide variety with fairly simplistic, but solid designs. We particularly like the Novelty section, where you can shop for tees with your favorite old logos (e.g. a 70's-style "Mountain Dew").
• tshirthell.com: Not for the easily offended. Scathing, dark and somewhat offensive humor pervades the designs of these T-shirts.
• 80stees.com: Because we know you want those T-shirts with Rainbow Brite and Thundercats.
• ThinkGeek.com: If you don't find a T-shirt that says "I see dead pixels" hilarious, probably not the site for you.
• bant-shirts.com: Want to make a political statement? These T-shirts can help! They're also printed on organic cotton tees.

Technorati tags: tees, t-shirts, tshirts, tee shirts

Photo credit: flickr