Livescribe Pulse Smartpen

As America celebrates its birth, we think of the hardships suffered by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. And fireworks and hot dogs. Maybe not in that order. Imagine how much easier it would've been if they'd ditched the quill and ink and used the Lightscribe Pulse Smartpen ($200, 2GB) which can digitally transfer thousands of pages of handwritten notes, record hundreds of hours of audio, and even translate foreign words (like liberté). Now imagine the Declaration of Independence on Livescribe microdot paper, the specialized paper that's used with the pen. Imagine....hmm, maybe we should stop now.

MAC Fix+

Well, here we are in that sweltering time of year where just thinking about going outside makes our brow dot with sweat (yuck). However, heat is no excuse not to look fabulous. Keep your makeup from melting off your face with MAC Fix+ ($17). Spritz it on after you’re all dolled up and enjoy the cooling mist as your makeup is set and your skin is nourished with vitamins and minerals. Your makeup will look fabulous all night, even if you drop from heat exhaustion.

Off! Clip On Repellent

What do we hate worse: mosquito bites or the icky smell of bug repellent? Tough call. Hopefully with Off! Clip On Repellent ($12.99) we can keep those little blood suckers far away without repelling the more desirable contact of the affectionate, human variety. This portable plastic device is lightweight, scentless, and may just turn out to be our most useful accessory on sweltering summer camping trips. At the very least it will prevent these or weirder- this.

DWR Measuring Cup/Juicer

Design WIthin Reach introduces a fresh new view on counting calories with their Measuring Cup/Juicer ($30). We love that fresh-squeezed juice is full of vitamins, nutrients, and all that good stuff, but it's also laden with all-natural sugar. With this two-in-one kitchen accessory, you can monitor your intake of fruit juice and take the guesswork out of juicing. Plus, thanks to the recycled 1950s mold, this glass beauty has a distinctly Mrs. Cleaver vintage quality.

Incase Slider Case

You’re always a vision of grace and poise… until you drop your treasured iPhone under your car and are on all fours mumbling pleas to the patron saint of digital devices. Protect your new iPhone 3GS with this Incase Slider Case ($35). Its durable outer shell protects your precious phone when it flies from your hands, and the soft grip on the inside adds extra cushion. It comes in a wide array of colors (metallics too!) so you’ll find one to match your personality shoes.

Silven wall coverings

Sometimes a new coat of paint just doesn’t do it. Going way over the top with interior design is not out of the question for us—especially when sparkle is involved. Tiffany crystal wall coverings by Silven ($Inquire) instantly glamourize any space. The Italian vertical surface covering specialists will give any plane in your home a Swarovski makeover. Who knew we could get our living space professionally bedazzled? Wow, and the result is truly breathtaking.

Jessica Elliot Zodiac Pendant

Sagittarius, Gemini, Leo... The Jessica Elliot Zodiac Pendant ($88) is a great way to showcase your sign in an understated and classic way. Sometimes our Zodiac signs tell us exactly who we are and are spot on with our inner-most idiosyncrasies and quirks. Sometimes they're way off and don't do a darn thing to describe who we are at all. It seems like no matter what sign you are you always identify with one aspect of the description or another making you ultimately proud to be the sign that you are. No matter how accurate your astrological sign may be, rep it with pride and better yet, style.

Target Mushroom Table

The Target Mushroom Table ($80) is sleek, simple and modern. A perfect final addition to a room of any style or taste, this on-the-cheap classy item offers an elegant twist in the genre of pedestal tables. Contemporary lines make the possibilities for this black lacquer beauty endless. It makes perfect sense as an accent table or night table, and really suits any room of the house. Functional and pleasing to the eye, this little table is an enduring steal.

PAD Gold Knuckle Mug

Not a morning person? LA-based design firm, PAD, has a tough girl solution: the Gold Knuckle Mug ($98). Pouring your daily dose of caffeine into a vessel this angsty is sure to start your day off with some oomph. Featuring high-fire earthenware and genuine gold plating, this cup combines luxury and bad-assery for one heck of a killer beverage. To say the least, the first impression is intimidating, but well worth it. This freakin’ sweet mug might just replace our morning mirror mantra.

Tord Boontje Future Flora Rugiada Lamp

Amazing! Future Flora Rugiada ($85), an etched silver satin pendant lamp designed by the acclaimed Tord Boontje as part of the new Future Flora 2009 line, continues to dazzle us with completely exceptional takes on the neo-chandelier. Revolutionizing home décor with a newly designed incorporation of the cut-out trend usually reserved for shoes and jewelery, the luscious curvature of meticulously cut stainless steel is out of this world . . . Packaged flat and designed for ingenious assembly, putting this lamp together makes us feel vicariously clever too!

Celeb Style: Deena & Ozzy Window Scarf

Scarves are one of the easiest and simplest ways to accessorize any outfit. Choose from any color, fabric, or degree of warmth and purpose. Bright colored scarves can often lend themselves to a more daytime look albeit dressy or casual. This Deena & Ozzy Window Scarf ($28) is a beautiful coral color and has a wonderful handcrafted aesthetic. No matter what season it is, any outfit can use a colorful twist as the always put together Cameron Diaz seems to already know. Too hot to even think about a scarf? Don't be shocked if you see us sporting this as a head wrap...

SimpleTech [re]drive External Hard Drive

See, one of those little things about living in the information age, our lives are really tied up with computers. So if something happens to said computers...poof, we have no life. But that's why we make backups! (Wait, you are backing up, aren't you?) Well, if you're sick of cluttering your desk with more drab metal boxes, the SimpleTech [re]drive External Hard Drive ($68, 500GB) is a very eco-friendly alternative. Its case is made with renewable, naturally grown bamboo and recyclable aluminum, and the hard drive is designed to use up to 30% less energy. The packaging is even biodegradable. Help out the earth, save your life...good deal.

Sales & Steals: 7/2/09

It’s 4th of July weekend, and to us, that means celebrating our right to shop, shop, SHOP. Just don’t forget to take a break to do some BBQ-ing and pool lounging.

Bloomingdale's - During their 4th of July sale, save 40% on select items. Sale ends 07/05/2009.

Borders - To us, summer means beach reads. Grab yourself a cheesetacular romance novel (or whatever) and save 25% off 1 item with coupon code SLW0628E. Expires 07/15/2009.

Expedia.com - Because summer ain’t summer without a little road trip. Book a 3 or more night stay at a qualifying hotel, and receive a free prepaid $50 MasterCard for gas. Offer ends 07/31/2009.

Gap.com - Snag some great basics on sale, and knock an extra 20% off sale prices with coupon code SALE20. Expires 07/02/2009.

OnlineShoes.com - OMG. Shuz. Need we say more? Save $20 on orders over $100 with coupon code 9TNT. Expires 07/06/2009.

St. Germain Liqueur

We're aware that St. Germain ($25) elderflower liqueur has been a favorite of snooty french bartenders for ages . . . but the new St. Germain packaging might just warrant that elitist attitude. The vintage sensibility of the bottle harkens back to a time when liqueur was customarily enjoyed from crystal serving sets. It looks that old, and considering St. Germain derives from the Elder trees in the Alps, is it all that surprising? In case you are unfamiliar with this liqueur, we direct you
here for recipes.

Keel's Simple Diary

"Dear Diary... today was Wednesday and I went to work." Feeling like your journal could use a little creative energy? Keel's Simple Diary ($15) helps you beat the mundane aspects of a daily diary with fill in the blanks and prompts like: "If your feet could talk, what would they say?" (Ours say we need some Louboutins!) Plus, it comes in 6 great colors, and the first page prompts you about the color you chose. Brilliant!