We love the Arduino, it’s true. Here’s a neat little project that combines Python and the Arduino to create a Gmail notifier. When you receive a new email, an LED will light up to alert you. It’s more of a software project than a hardware project but it’s still a great way to dive into the Arduino. I still have an unused LCD display I bought to interface with my Arduino. I bet with a little hacking, this project could be used to feed info the the LCD. One weekend I’ll have to give it a try.

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OK, so I’ve had a nice DSLR for a few years, as well as some point-and-shoot cameras. The problem is, I hardly ever bring them out for shoots since you need to bring a tripod and tripods suck. They’re cumbersome; a real pain in the ass to carry. Luckily, there’s a product for ten bucks that isn’t a concept and is usable almost anywhere. It’s this Bottle Cap Tripod. It fits almost any standard water or soda bottle, so your leftover Dasani bottle from work is a go. This way, you can get a good, clean shot no matter the location. I’ll be picking up one this weekend for sure.

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Why keep all that extra Vitamin Water in the garage? Show your friends that you’re recession-proof! This Octopus bottle holder can keep several bottles suspended in mid-air as you skip around the kitchen with the fridge door open and the TV on full volume. Fantastic for a small NYC bathroom or just a creative gift to get your wife at the last minute. $37 and an octopi fetish.

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Here’s a device that’s shaped like a flower that you connect to your house via a wireless transmitter. It monitors the electricity consumed in your house in real time. Using too much energy will result in this flower’s demise, wilting at the first signs of wasted energy.

Designed by Carl Smith, the Wilting Flower will reward those who remain conscious of the amount of energy they use each day by standing tall, bright and blooming. Ideal for plant lovers and eco-nuts who need to be kept in check when it comes to their utility usage. A perfect match alongside the Water Watcher.

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Remember the Keyboard Organizer? Perfect for the one guy at the office whose always got a cluttered desk. It’s a standard keyboard that comes in black or white that not only is a fully-functional keyboard, but also provides storage space underneath the keys. It’s like a utility box inside your keyboard.

Well, the storage space isn’t the only reason the Keyboard Organizer has been turning heads. The creators, myKeyO, are willing to customize your keyboard with a design of your choosing for just $49.95. You’ll never be caught at a LAN party with the same keyboard as anyone and to top it all off: it’s got a secret spot to stash your weed. Now you’ve got the edge.

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The IceOrb is one of the finest ice-related inventions on the planet. Fill up the outer mold with water then put the inner mold in and freeze it. Remove and presto: 21 oddly-shaped ice cubes. At $16, it’s totally not worth it but don’t let me hold you back. You can pick up one of those Lamborgini lighters while you’re at it.

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As a pizza lover and eater, I’m always looking for a way to cut a slice from an uncut pie without fucking it all up. Usually, I take a steak knife and end up cutting half the cheese off while destroying the inner-section of the pie. If I had the Pizza Pro, this never would have happened.

If you’re wondering what the Pizza Pro is, I’d be glad to fill you in. It’s a spatula-type instrument with a gigantic pair of scissors attached to the side. The best feature is that you can you do all of this insane pizza serving with one hand. Remember, winners don’t use drugs and italians don’t cook without a Pizza Pro. Something like that.

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Reef sure makes some interesting sandals. While they’re not my forte (Birkenstocks!), some of the designs work while others don’t. Those sandals Reef designed a few years back that hold booze inside? Yeah, they ended up sucking big time. These Fanning sandals have Reef set on the right path for sure.

In the bottom of the sole, you’ll find a bottle-opener that will surely come in handy when you’re cracking open brews with Nick Hogan on your speedboat. With both girls and guys models, you probably won’t have a problem slapping down $60 for a pair of these. Oh, I hear they’re pretty comfy too, so that’s always a plus. Beer first, comfort second. Remember that.

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This combination step-ladder/ironing board could be useful if you’re in a pinch for storage space. You can fold the ironing board down to reach for your peanut butter sitting up there in the cabinet. After getting food all over your nice shirt, you’ll be forced to wash it and eventually iron it. Fold the device upright and you’ll have a decent-sized ironing board to work with.

At $99, it’s a bit pricey, but like I mentioned earlier, those with limited space will probably cave in and get one. It may not be as beautiful as other things in your home, but at least you’ll have an extra square foot of living space.

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