http://www.urbanlime.com/ goods for your home in daily doses http://www.urbanlime.com//images/urbanlime.gif http://www.urbanlime.com/ Mon, 08 Feb 10 19:39:08 -0500 http://www.urbanlime.com/ en http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=407 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:19:20 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,407

The artwork on the air kitchen towels from Tikoli not only remind us of the Avatar film floating creatures, but they also remind us of the elegance of simple design.

Found at Tikoli. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=406 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:21:17 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,406

The gorgeous Vivienne and friends, Wisconsin 1974 print on Hahnemuhle photo rag 308gsm matte paper speaks to me. I don't know why, but there is just something about Matte Stephens' artwork that makes my heart race.

Found at Matt Stephens' Etsy Shop. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=405 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:30:15 EST Hector http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,405

Apple's iPad will be hitting the market in about 60 days. It is cross-breed that lies somewhere between an iPod touch and a netbook. Apple hopes it will sweep the market like the iPod touch and iPhone did, but we are not sure that Apple will have a repeat success with the iPad.

The iPad is basically a netbook without a physical keyboard (it has a software keyboard). The cheapest version (16GB flavor) will run you $500 dollars without a 3G AT&T data connection. We find it real hard for Apple to make this product as popular as their iPod touch, after all, it's just a super-sized iPod touch. You can't really install full-blown applications on it like you can on a laptop or a netbook -- only apps that appear at the Apple store. Realistically though most of those apps are basically for fun and lack real meat and bones we need for real productivity. We also feel as if 16 gigs is mediocre for a device that costs $500.

Sure the Apple iPad acts as a movie player, music player, and web browser, but are you really willing to pay that much money for that use only? The real question is, will the Apple iPad be a product you use vigorously for a few weeks and then toss it in your pile along your endless Wii accessories?

Only time will tell if we are wrong about this one. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=404 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:56:42 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,404

I sometimes don't know what to do with my MacBook when it is not in use. It ends up taking a large portion of my already cluttered desk and like an idiot I put stuff on top. The result? A few tiny scratches on its body that make my soul cry. The BookArc measuring just 10-by-4 inches and cushioned by soft silicon footpads should be your MacBook's new home. The product takes your MacBook vertical taking up only a fraction of the space it would otherwise take. In the end, you'll have more space, less scratches, and a cleaner soul.

Does anyone know if going vertical does any damage to the internal hard drives?

Found at Amazon. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=403 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:30:59 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,403

This unique LED ambient lamp from Philips can produce a total of 16 million colors allowing a user to set the lamp to display a huge range of colors based on the desired effect. The brightness can be reduced or increased and the color can be selected at will with the included remote control. The results is an amazingly customizable light experience unlike any other we've ever seen.

Check out the light in action here.

Found at Philips web site. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=401 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:10:18 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,401

Insert your key into the "his and hers" key holders and watch the keys hang. If thoughts are entering your dirty little mind from viewing the picture we can't blame you, the same happened to us.

Found at Amazon ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=399 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:13:00 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,399

The iDesign Cube Clock iPod/iPhone Radio is an aesthetically pleasing iPod alarm clock/radio, but the devil, as with all electronics, is in the details.

For starters, the iDesign Cube Clock Radio and iPod player has a sophisticated look with a slightly gray face sporting a large digit LED display. Unfortunately, the LED display was really bright even in the low setting, forcing us to turn the unit slightly to the side so it would not affect us during night time. You can also turn the display off then temporarily turn on the display for about five seconds by pressing the SNOOZE button once. However, it was a lot easier to move the unit the side when we went to bed as opposed to fumbling through settings every time.

The iDesign Cube Clock Radio let's you install a back-up battery (CR-2032 button cell battery) to keep track of your settings and time if the power goes out.

On both sides of the unit a soft fabric hides and protects the stereo speakers. At the top you will find a docking station for your iPod (also works with iPhone by the way, though it is not advertised as such) and the unit's radio, alarm, and play controls. At the back, there are inputs for AC, AM/FM Antenna connections, and auxiliary.

The AM/FM features on the iDesign Cube Clock Radio are abysmal. The FM receiver is not very powerful and at my location (even with the use of the included FM Pigtail Antenna), it missed some FM stations other alarm clocks easily pick up. The iDesign Cube Clock also does not have preset buttons for setting your favorite FM/AM stations. Instead, you'll need to press the forward and back buttons to scroll (search) for the stations. This can and will be tedious if you have a variety of FM/AM stations you like to listen to. Clearly this device was made with the iPod in mind.

So how does it fare as an iPod player? It works. You can use the on-board controls to play, pause, and skip songs as you would on your iPod, there is nothing revolutionary here, but it gets the job done. The iDesign Cube Clock Radio does charge your iPod when you plug it into the dock -- a feature that always makes us happy.

As far as sound is concerned, the iDesign Cube Clock iPod/iPhone Radio left a lot to be desired. The speakers felt weak when compared to other alarm clock radio players on the market. There just wasn't a lot of oomph in the sound.

If asthetics are your number one priority, the iDesign Cube Clock iPod Radio is one of the better looking iPod alarm clock radios on the market. However, the AM/FM features on this device seem like after thoughts and the sound quality is very poor. For the asking price of about $100, you could certainly do better.

THE GOOD
- Beautiful compact design
- Nice set of included accessories

THE BAD
- Weak FM receiver
- Below average sound quality
- Lacks features for price point

IN THE BOX
- AM Antenna
- FM Pigtail Antenna
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm Cable
- AC/AC Adapter
- 4 iPod Dock Adapters

WHERE TO BUY
Amazon

MANUFACTURER
Brookstone ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=402 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:37:29 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,402

The thing I like about Alli Coate's prints the best, is how they all have a very rough texture. A perfect is example is her 8"x10" print entitled Wind. I could look at them all day long.

Found at Alli Coate's Etsy Shop. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=400 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:32:15 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,400

Mirror mirror on the wall who is the biggest Tetris fan of all? For £39.85 you are sire.

Found at HiddenArt. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=398 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:45:16 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,398

Rest the Cupmen on your Cup Noodles and it will start losing its color. When the Cupmen turns white your dinner is served. At least that's what I can gather from the very inaccurate Google translation.

Found at AssistOn. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=397 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:13:13 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,397

These Salt & Pepper Robot shakers are your servants. Next time you need to pass the salt, wind up the salt robot shaker and have him do the walking for you. The robot won't break the sound barrier, but it will be a fun distraction at your dinner table.

Found at ThinkGeek. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=396 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:34:08 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,396

The ceramic Butter Dish was designed to mimick your friendly plastic cousin. And though it was made to hold a normal UK size butter (are there different standard sizes in the rest of the world?), this beautiful ceramic container is best used for other purposes anyway.

Found at Yoyo Ceramics. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=395 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:42:34 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,395

For those of you who buy fresh herbs constantly, you'll be happy with this device by Prepera. The Herb Savor prolongs the life of fresh herbs for up to 3 weeks. Beats buying dry herbs on the spice isle of the grocery store.

Found at Amazon. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=394 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:23:09 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,394

I get really annoyed when I have to climb up and down ladders to get screws that constantly fall down. And sometimes when on the ground, my shirt pocket isn't good since stuff falls out of the pocket when bending down. So, this Magwear Magnetic Wristband should help alleviate all that. The magnet that powers this interesting device is none other than a N50 Neodymium magnet (a powerful magnet) that can hold on to hardware and even small tools. The wristband wrap uses a Velcro strap to keep it secure around your arm.

Found at Amazon ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=393 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:15:57 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,393

These powder coated steel wall pots designed by Thelermont Hupton sit angular on your wall providing a stricking visual to your otherwise flat wall. The pots are installed with invisible fixing so all you see are the pots and the plants growing on them. Needless to say, get plants that thrive in the shade or you will be stuck with dead plants in weeks like it usually happens to me.

Found at A+R. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=392 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:16:05 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,392

The View From Your Window is a fantastical showcase of 190 of Daily Dish's favorite photos taken by readers looking outside their own windows. What you get is an almost surreal experience with more than 80 countries and 50 of U.S. states represented. Making the book even more interesting is that the book is ordered from dawn to dusk. As you near the end of the book, it feels as if you actually journeyed to these places.

Even if you don't buy it (a steal at $29.95), you can preview the book in its entirety at Blurb. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=391 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:03:43 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,391

Designed by Greg Wolos, Emily, a sleek brushed aluminum alarm clock is meant to go sideways on your wall so you can read the clock naturally as you lay on your side while in bed. The red LED clock compliments the rich walnut wood construction.

Found at Furni's shop. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=390 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:56:50 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,390

Gotta admit that I fell in love with Allison Cole's illustration style a few months back. It was hard to choose a print to highlight on Urban Lime, but ultimately I settled on Bicycle Girl. I'm a sucker for rich bold colors.

Found at Allison Cole's Etsy Shop. ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=384 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:43:34 EST Hugo http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,384

I've been a big fan of the new Zune from Microsoft, but since I never actually owned one, I never really gave their Zune player a chance. However, over the past few months I've grown tired of how dull iTunes has become. I wanted something more exciting and the Zune software is just that. I won't go into all the technical aspects or any of that, this isn't a review after all, but I'll just mention a few things I love about the Zune software.

The software is stunning to look at. Microsoft allows you to select different skins for the player and when a song is playing, if it knows the artist, it will randomly create a slideshow of images from the band pulled from the Zune store. If it does not know the artist, it creates a collage of the different album artwork in your library.



We also love the social aspect of the software, it keeps track of how many songs you've played from each album and it compares it to others on the Zune social network.

DOWNLOAD
Zune software for PC

PLATFORM
PC ]]> http://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=378 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:36:46 EST Hector http://www.urbanlime.com/entry,378

All sippy cups aren't made equal. I can attest that I have tried almost every sippy cup out there with my 18-month old daughter. I have come to the conclusion that the Playtex Sippy Cups are by far the best sippy cups out on the market today. Why you might ask? Well its simple, they don't leak and my daughter doesn't turn blue when she is drinking her milk.

The cups are BPA-free so they are safe for your little one. They have built in handles that are great tiny hands and they come in a wide variety of colors and designs so you have a choice of which one you like better.

The Playtex Sippy Cups are well built. My daughter drops them all the time from her high chair and I have yet to see any of them break.

We did not like two things about the Playtex Sippy Cups: they do not have a lid and they do not have markers for ounces.

THE GOOD
- Does not leak
- Variety colors
- Inexpensive

THE BAD
- No lids
- No markers for ounces

IN THE BOX
- Sippy cup

WHERE TO BUY
Amazon

MANUFACTURER
Playtex ]]>